Health and safety practitioners agree that engaging employees about workplace safety go a long way in improving the safety culture, and there’s more than one way to achieve an engaged workforce.

At this year’s Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) Conference and Exhibition, three organizations shared proven best practices that have helped them increase employee participation in health and safety programs and improve their safety record. 

Employers — urged by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario —now have increased focus on claims management for work-related injuries, as well as early and safe return to work (ESRTW). This has resulted in health and safety and human resource professionals being given additional duties, often very complicated. If mismanaged, these added responsibilities can cost companies money, time, respect and integrity.