Despite advancements in safety protocols and a variety of enhanced equipment, many organizations still face ongoing challenges in health and safety performance. According to a recent ERM survey, 60% of participating companies reported at least one fatality over the past three years - a staggering 567 lives lost.
FOR MORE CONTEXT
Bridging the gap: Enhancing safety culture with technology
A successful health and safety program involves activities aimed at preventing incidents, such as proper use of PPE and compliance with safety protocols. However, a strong safety culture, which is the shared mindset within an organization, is equally essential for sustaining these practices. A robust safety culture influences behavior even when no one is watching and ensures that safety programs are more than just formalities. Technology plays a pivotal role in connecting these two elements, offering tools to enhance communication, efficiency, and performance tracking.
WHO THIS AFFECTS
A wake-up call for EHS leaders
In addition to above alarming statistic, data from several national bodies show that there are improving indicators for health and safety performance, but still increasing numbers and rates for fatalities. This highlights the need for continuous improvement in safety practices and a more proactive approach. Increasingly, companies are seeing the value of investing in technology to support health and safety programs. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Leveraging technology for better safety management
To maximize the impact of a health and safety program, many companies follow a structured model like the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) loop. Using software solutions to support each stage of this process can make the difference between average and outstanding safety performance.
Relying solely on opportunistic deployment of just a software tool can lead to disconnected tools that fail. A unified software system helps support an enterprise-wide strategy and ensures consistency and accuracy.
Structure of health and safety approach
- Define: Establish clear safety goals.
- Measure: Capture and record safety events.
- Analyze: Investigate incidents and identify root causes.
- Improve: Implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Control: Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance.
HOW SPHERA CAN HELP
The power of incident reporting
Incident reporting is a fundamental part of safety management. With technology, organizations can streamline this process, encouraging employees and contractors to report incidents, near misses, and safety observations in real time. Direct user entry systems, like Sphera’s First Report Portal, allow employees to submit reports easily, even without an account. Features like speech-to-text and geo-coordinates ensure timely, accurate data capture. This approach supports continuous feedback, improving both safety programs and culture.
Effective action management
Managing action items efficiently is critical when resources are limited. Software solutions simplify tracking, prioritizing and resolving safety-related tasks. A purpose-built solution like Sphera’s Actions Software provides:
- A centralized platform for real-time tracking of action items.
- Priority-based focus, ensuring high-impact tasks are addressed first.
- A color-coded calendar to visualize task statuses.
- Bulk management tools for reassigning tasks when roles change.
- Data visualization for easier decision-making.
By focusing on high-priority tasks and streamlining workflows, organizations can prevent overwhelming their teams and ensure critical safety issues are handled efficiently.
Data-driven audits
Audits are essential for assessing the effectiveness of safety processes. SpheraCloud’s Audit software allows companies to conduct dynamic, targeted audits that evolve with their safety programs. Key elements include:
- Dynamic nature: Audits should adapt to changing needs and be updated based on performance and feedback.
- Continuous improvement: Regularly updating audit processes ensures relevant data is captured, helping to address safety concerns effectively.
- Targeted campaigns: Focused audits, such as those addressing specific incidents, can significantly reduce risks.
- Feedback integration: Engaging employees in audits and incorporating their feedback ensures practical and effective safety measures.
- Balanced approach: Avoid overburdening employees with too many audits, which can lead to compliance fatigue.
Real-time data for informed decisions
Software solutions like SpheraCloud Analytics provide real-time dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs), making it easier to track and improve safety performance. These dashboards offer:
- Visual clarity: Easy-to-read graphs, maps, and charts showing frequency rates, incident reports, and task completion.
- Customization: Tailor dashboards to show relevant data by region, year, or specific metrics.
- Proactive comparison: Compare performance across sites or regions to identify trends and areas for improvement.
By analyzing real-time data, companies can make informed decisions that help improve their safety programs and prevent future incidents.
Taking action for a safer future
A strong safety program, supported by the right technology, is key to building a proactive safety culture. Software solutions streamline processes, balance workloads, and provide real-time data, helping organizations improve safety performance. By leveraging data-driven insights, companies empower their employees to make better decisions, ensuring a safer working environment for everyone.
Discover how Sphera’s software solutions can enhance your health and safety management and watch the on-demand webinar “Bridging the gap: Enhancing safety culture with technology”.
If you are ready to take the next step toward a safer future, schedule a meeting with one of our experts.
