Going beyond compliance to create safer workspaces: Five must-have processes

Bethan Foston Date published: Dec 19, 23

It is no secret that health and safety training is crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. This is why most organizations make a special effort to prioritize compliance and requirement standards when administering their safety training programs. However, as professionals and experts in the field, we assert that compliance and minimum standards are no longer enough. Health and safety training must go beyond compliance to effectively mitigate risks, promote preventive measures, and cultivate an overall culture of safety in the workplace.

In this blog post, we will discuss what it means to go ‘beyond compliance’ when it comes to your health and safety training, sharing our five recommended best practices.

The importance of going beyond compliance

Providing basic health and safety training solely for compliance purposes may seem like the easiest and most convenient option for most organizations. However, beyond meeting regulatory requirements, health and safety training should prioritize the well-being of employees and the prevention of hazards. Training for compliance purposes may only be effective in the short-term, but a long-term approach to training plans should be considered to reduce the likelihood of workplace accidents and promote a safety culture.

Going beyond compliance involves providing additional courses on topics that aren't mandatory, addressing specific industry risks, and continuously updating training programs to reflect evolving safety standards and practices, all of which contribute to a safer and more resilient workplace environment.

Below we have compiled a list of best practices you can adopt, allowing you to go above and beyond in safeguarding your employees’ wellbeing.

5 best strategies for elevating workplace safety to go beyond compliance

1. A good compliance culture starts with examples from those at the top: Elevating workplace safety beyond compliance begins with leadership commitment. Actively demonstrating your commitment sets the tone for your organization's safety culture.
2. Recognition and awards for those going above and beyond: Motivate your employees to excel in safety by implementing recognition and awards for those who go above and beyond to ensure a secure work environment.
3. Stay ahead and up to date with regulation changes: To exceed compliance standards, stay ahead and continually update your knowledge of regulation changes to proactively address safety requirements.
4. Self-assessments or third-part audits to identify gaps: Identify safety gaps before an external auditor does by conducting self-assessments or engaging in third-party audits, ensuring your workplace maintains the highest safety standards.
5. Innovation and technology: Embrace innovation and technology to elevate workplace safety. Utilize the latest tools and e-learning solutions to create a safer and more efficient working environment that surpasses compliance requirements.

Incorporating e-learning for health and safety training

To reap the benefits of a comprehensive health and safety training program, organizations should adopt a proactive approach towards training. Comprehensive, advanced training programs provides employees with skills and knowledge to identify potential hazards, take preventive measures and manage emergency situations, therefore increasing incident reporting and reducing the number of lost workdays due to workplace injuries. Additionally, increasing employee safety will improve the overall efficiency of the organization and build strong relationships between the organization and its employees.

Technological advancements have enhanced the method and delivery systems of employee training, especially through e-learning platforms. E-Learning platforms provide hands-on, interactive, and visual training content that reinforces learning more effectively. E-learning platforms can be a cost-effective, efficient, and flexible means of extending health and safety training beyond compliance measures, and staff can complete the courses remotely at their own pace.

Going beyond compliance in health and safety training is a pivotal step towards creating a culture of safety in the workplace. A comprehensive health and safety plan involves employee participation and taking proactive measures to prevent hazards. Incorporating e-learning platforms provides the much-needed flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and interactivity required to make health and safety training a worthwhile investment. The benefits extend beyond the work environment to the employees' personal lives, creating a more fulfilling and safer workplace for everyone.

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