Whether you know it or not, you already have a Safety Culture. It is either strong or weak, but it is there, underlying everything your organization does and stands for.

Nearly half of employees who receive inadequate training or skills development choose to leave their job within the first year of employment. This phenomenon is a major drain on organizations, as well as individuals. Employee turnover costs organizations thousands of dollars and impedes the individual’s development and career progress.

Furthermore, high employee turnover attributed to lack of training is both indicative of a weak Safety Culture and a warning sign that it is bound to get weaker.

When we aren’t developing the skills of those who make up our team, it’s a form of complacency. Training is one of the greatest methods to support continuous improvement in the workplace. If we aren’t constantly contributing to continuous improvement, we’re resting on our laurels – something we never want to do with respect to our health and safety.

Lack of training can negatively impact workforce morale. A strong Safety Culture will be mindful of potential Mental Health hazards. Workers who do not receive skills development will begin to feel neglected and unhappy. It goes without saying – but I’ll say it anyway – turnover rates are much higher when employees feel unfulfilled in their role and, for those who stick it out, poor morale lends itself to workplace incidents.

Fortunately, training is relatively inexpensive and one of the best methods for cost avoidance. A skilled and competent workforce will result in less downtime, fewer schedule delays and the reduction or elimination of incidents and injuries – all of which are substantial drains on your organization's bottomline if not kept in check.

Proper training is one of the major pillars for a strong and sustainable Safety Culture. And, a competent workforce isn’t the only benefit your organization will gain from investing in training. When you provide training to your staff, it has a positive cascading effect in your organization. Employees feel valued, which makes them content in their position. Their happiness leads to loyalty and commitment, which motivates strong buy-in of the organization’s beliefs, attitudes and practices. Dedication to the shared vision and culture results in a cohesive team environment and a safer workplace. And, safer workplaces attract business opportunities.

Whether you’ve never considered the state of your Safety Culture, or it is the driving force in your organization’s business model – training is an easily accessible resource for developing and/or improving your workforce and the Safety Culture you all work and live within.

Always remember – everyone wants to go to work, do their job well, and get home safe. This is the belief that a strong Safety Culture is founded upon.