Attitude & Behavioral Safety
This was always one of my favorite 6am toolbox talks to start the morning off to and I always keep it in my back pocket. It’s unbelievable how much your attitude can impact your teammates and culture- a good attitude goes a long way and opens many doors!
How does attitude affect how your work and safety on the job? What is your attitude today? We all have days where our overall attitude could improve, but how is yours towards your coworkers, boss, or safety on a day-to-day basis? If you are generally a negative person, what effects would a more positive attitude have on your life and on your work?
Positive Attitude and Health
There are many reasons to strive to have a positive attitude. Outside of the obvious reasons, such as improving your mood and being more enjoyable to be around, researchers have been studying how it can benefit our health. The Mayo Clinic mentions possible benefits such as:
Lower rates of depression
Lower levels of distress
Greater resistance to the common cold
Better psychological and physical well-being
Reduced risk of death from cardiovascular disease
Better coping skills during hardships and times of stress
Attitude and Safety on the Job
A negative attitude can lead to carelessness, complacency, taking shortcuts, or even serve as a distraction from a work task. A negative attitude towards safety specifically will eventually result in unsafe behaviors. Unsafe behaviors lead to incidents occurring on the job resulting in injury or property damage. Is your overall attitude as it relates to safety negative? If so, why is that?
How to Improve Your Attitude
1. Recognize it.
2. What is the source of the issue?
3. Address the issues
4. Remain aware of your attitude.
Discussion points:
Do you think attitude has a large effect on safety?
Think of a person you did not enjoy working with. How did it affect your work?
Reference:
https://www.safetytalkideas.com/safetytalks/attitude/
Comments (3)
Totally agree attitude impacts safety, along with every other aspect of a business. The only issue that it’s out of our control - just try and make a good environment for people to work in and listen when they have suggestions
Yeah, I've worked for organizations that aren't keeping a hospitable work environment, and during those times it becomes highly difficult to keep the troops engaged. We can provide feedback up the chain, if the up-line is willing/open to receive it, but as David said - we can only do so much.