Question

Which of the following can be a barrier to getting employees involved in an organization’s safety and health efforts? Explain why?

Fear or lack of trust.

Lack of demonstrated commitment or responsibility from top leadership.

Inadequate training.

Answer 1

Although any of the three could be a barrier to getting employees involved in an Organization’s safety and health efforts, I believe, lack of demonstrated commitment or responsibility from Top leadership, could be one of the major causes because it is the top management that drives an Organization through their able-leadership. In addition, the employees may develop a sense of belongingness towards the organization and may show willing co-operation towards the safety and health efforts, only when the same is demonstrated primarily by the top leaders in the Organization in terms of the Top management’s commitment to health and safety concerns. Leaders are anyway believed to lead by examples. The fear of unknown especially in regards of health and safety could be intense. However, when the top management demonstrates the same, the employees feel confident enough to contribute to such efforts, otherwise lack of demonstrated commitment or responsibility on the part of the Top leaders, may act as a major barrier to employee’s involvement in the Organization’s safety and health efforts.