How to “get to zero” accidents in the workplace

The path to “getting to zero” and eliminating accidents from the workplace does not lie in applying ever greater pressure on employees to follow the rules. Success lies rather in motivating workers to “want to” act safely rather than having them feel that they “have to” obey.

That is the premise of “Getting to Zero Accidents,” a new e-book by FDRsafety CEO Fred Rine that is available for free download.

“You cannot force a change in attitude, but you can get people to want to be safe – and to be accountable for their actions,” writes Rine. “You can help people conclude that they should change – all by selling the benefits of their own safety.”

The e-book is based on the thinking behind a safety awareness program designed by Rine that has been presented to more than 400,000 employees and managers at companies nationwide. This program complements other elements of an overall safety system and The program is credited by many organizations with reducing helping reduce their OSHA recordable rates.

In that program, Rine – who previously ran the well-regarded safety program at FedEx — has attendees talk about what is important to them. Invariably, one of the highest priorities workers cite is coming home each day in one piece to family and loved ones. Rine helps workers understand that working safely is a way for workers to achieve one of their personal top priorities.

The book also addresses the importance of safety off-the-job, which is where 96 percent of all fatal accidents occur.

To learn more about how to change workers attitudes, click here.