Safety in the workplace is extremely important for both employees and employers. Accidents and injuries at work not only cause suffering and health loss, but can also significantly affect the efficiency and profitability of the company. However, even in workplaces with strict safety regulations, there are situations in which employees do not follow safety procedures. In such cases, occupational psychology can play a key role in motivating employees to follow these procedures.

Occupational psychology deals with the study of employees’ behaviors, thoughts and emotions in the context of their work. Understanding why employees sometimes fail to follow safety procedures requires analyzing the psychological factors that influence this. A few of these factors are:

• Lack of awareness: Employees are often unaware of the potential risks associated with their job. Therefore, it is important to provide them with appropriate education and safety information.
• Fatigue and stress: Employees exposed to long working hours or high levels of stress may have a reduced ability to concentrate and follow procedures.
• Organizational culture: A company’s work culture can influence employee behavior. In workplaces where safety is a priority and is actively supported by management, employees are more likely to follow safety procedures.

To effectively motivate employees to comply with safety procedures, their psychological needs and motivations must be taken into account. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

• Understanding individual needs: Every employee is different and has their own needs and motivations. It is important for the employer to understand what really motivates each employee. This may require conducting individual interviews and adapting motivational strategies to specific people.
• Providing appropriate tools and training: Employees must be properly equipped and trained to follow safety procedures. That’s why it’s important to invest in the right tools and training.
• Rewarding compliance with procedures: Rewards can be an effective tool for motivating employees. This can be both a financial reward and praise or recognition for good work.
• Creating a safe work culture: Organizational culture has a huge impact on employee behavior. Creating a culture where safety is a priority can effectively motivate employees to follow safety procedures.

It is not enough to just motivate employees to follow safety procedures. It is also important to monitor their behavior and provide them with feedback. Employees need to know that their actions matter and that there are consequences for inappropriate behavior.

In summary, workplace safety is crucial to the health and efficiency of employees and the success of the company. Occupational psychology can help understand why employees sometimes fail to follow safety procedures and how to motivate them to do so. It is crucial to understand the individual needs and motivations of employees and to create an organizational culture that supports safety. Monitoring and feedback are equally important to maintain a high level of compliance with safety procedures. It is worth investing in work psychology to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and achieve organizational success.

Source:https://kadry.infor.pl/bhp/bezpieczenstwo-pracy/6328591,psychologia-pracy-a-bezpieczenstwo-jak-motywowac-pracownikow-do-przes.html

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.