Hey Calgary business owners! Let’s talk about something that can seriously improve your Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) program—Safety Champions.
Every workplace has that one person (or a few) who is always reminding others to wear their PPE, reporting hazards before they cause trouble, or encouraging a safety-first mindset. That’s your Safety Champion, and they’re one of the most effective tools in creating a strong safety culture.
But what exactly do Safety Champions do? How can they improve OH&S? And how can your business empower them to make a real difference? Let’s break it down—and see how Calgary Safety Consultants can help you build a safer workplace!
A Safety Champion is an employee who actively promotes and models safe work practices. They take safety beyond just compliance and make it a part of the workplace culture. Unlike managers or supervisors who enforce safety rules from the top down, Safety Champions influence their peers from within. However, manager, supervisors and owners can also champion safety causes in their own way.
According to SafeStart, having team members who naturally lead by example can increase engagement, reduce workplace injuries, and create a proactive approach to safety. (SafeStart - How to Identify Safety Champions)
These Champions don’t need to have a formal title. They could be the person who:
ü Reminds co-workers to follow safety procedures without being asked
ü Identifies hazards before they cause accidents
ü Encourages open discussions about safety concerns
ü Leads by example with proper PPE use and best practices
ü Acts as a bridge between workers and management for safety improvements
When Safety Champions are empowered, the entire workplace benefits. Here’s how they contribute to a safer, more productive work environment:
1. Strengthening Workplace Safety Culture
A strong safety culture means safety is a shared value among employees, not just a list of rules to follow. When workers see their peers championing safety, they are more likely to take it seriously themselves.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), workplaces with a strong safety culture have fewer incidents, increased employee morale, and better overall productivity. (CCOHS - Workplace Health and Safety Culture)
2. Encouraging Employee Engagement in Safety
Nobody likes being told what to do all the time—especially from management. But when safety messages come from co-workers who are respected and approachable, they are more likely to be taken seriously.
Safety Champions help drive participation in:
ü Safety meetings
ü Reporting near-misses
ü Providing feedback on safety procedures
ü Encouraging new hires to adopt a safety-first mindset
3. Proactive Hazard Identification & Risk Reduction
One of the biggest benefits of having Safety Champions is their ability to spot hazards early. Instead of waiting for an incident to occur, they help prevent accidents by recognizing risks and suggesting solutions before something goes wrong.
According to a study by WorkSafeBC, companies that proactively address hazards reduce workplace injuries by up to 60%. (WorkSafeBC - Workplace Injury Prevention Strategies)
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we specialize in helping businesses like yours create stronger safety cultures by developing and supporting Safety Champions. Here’s how we can assist:
Customized Safety Training Programs
We offer tailored training to educate and inspire employees to take on safety leadership roles. Training covers topics like:
Learn more about our training programs here.
Leadership Development for Safety Champions
Being a Safety Champion isn’t about being the loudest in the room—it’s about knowing how to influence peers effectively. We provide leadership coaching for employees who want to step up and take on a safety role.
Safety Culture Assessments & Improvement Plans
Not sure where your workplace safety culture stands? We conduct comprehensive OH&S assessments to identify areas for improvement and help establish programs that encourage Safety Champions to emerge naturally.
Find out how we can improve your safety culture.
Ongoing Support & Compliance Assistance
We work with your Safety Champions and management team to ensure OH&S compliance, helping you navigate Alberta’s workplace safety regulations without the headaches.
Building a culture of safety doesn’t happen overnight, but it also doesn’t need to be a struggle. Safety Champions can bridge the gap between management and workers, making safety a team effort rather than just a list of rules.
By identifying and supporting Safety Champions, businesses in Calgary can reduce incidents, improve compliance, and create a safer, happier work environment.
Want to take your workplace OH&S to the next level? Ready to see the impact on your bottom line? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants for your complimentary consult to explore tailored OH&S solutions that drive real financial results.
A Safety Champion is an employee who promotes workplace safety, encourages co-workers to follow best practices, and helps build a strong safety culture.
They help drive employee engagement in safety, proactively identify hazards, and improve compliance with workplace health and safety regulations.
Look for employees who naturally take initiative in safety matters, consistently follow protocols, and encourage others to do the same.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
