5 Ways to Improve Safety Standards in Supply Chain Management

Workplace safety has gradually become a priority for leaders. It not only fosters growth but also creates brand champions out of employees. However, an unsafe ground floor can damage company reputations and lead to huge losses, and there are several strategies that manufacturers can follow to improve safety standards in their supply chain management.

1. Implement a safety management system

A robust safety management system will help you take steps to minimize accidents at your facility or any other locations that are part of your supply chain. It is vital to have an emergency plan in place for accidents while implementing the system.

For example, a company can implement a comprehensive, systematic approach to managing its fleet of vehicles by creating its fleet management system. This system helps fleet managers identify safety issues and create action plans to safeguard drivers from on-road distractions and accidents.

2. Conduct safety audits

Periodically scheduling safety audits at your production facilities and any other locations that are part of your supply chain can help you identify security vulnerabilities that you may need to address.

For example, an inspection at a manufacturing plant might reveal the presence of equipment that is no longer being used or machinery that could be moved to prevent injuries. Frequent audits of your storage facilities could help you identify which assets are being used for too long and should be discarded to reduce the risk of spoilage or contamination.

3. Educate employees on safety protocols

Ensure all your employees are familiar with the safety standards you have in place and the protocols they should follow in case of an accident. In addition, make sure your suppliers and contractors have a basic understanding of how they should operate to keep workers on their sites safe. Without formal training, your employees and extended groups of workers may not fully understand how to protect themselves from injury or illness in varying working conditions.

4. Train suppliers and contractors on safety standards

Every company is responsible for the safety of its staff and those involved in the business with them. Ultimately, the safety of all workers should be a top priority, so it is vital to take steps to ensure your suppliers and contractors are adequately preparing their employees for the workplace.

For example, a construction company that hires subcontractors to install windows at a hotel should require those contractors to have their employees complete comprehensive safety training before they are allowed on the job site.

5. Promote a culture of safety in the workplace

Creating a strong company culture that prioritizes safety can help keep your workforce healthy and productive. This begins with the C-level executives setting a positive example for employees by practicing safe work habits and making it clear that safety should be a top priority.

Company meetings can also provide an opportunity to foster a culture of safety. For industries where accidents occur more frequently, such as construction or transportation, it may be helpful to hold monthly or quarterly meetings to discuss safety standards.

By implementing safety management systems, conducting safety audits, educating employees on safety protocols, training suppliers and contractors on safety standards, and promoting a culture of safety in the workplace, you can help ensure that your workforce is healthy, toxic-free, and productive.