A positive safety culture is the foundation of a safe and productive workplace. It reflects how seriously an organization prioritizes the health and well-being of its employees. 

In Canada, where workplace injuries result in thousands of lost-time claims annually, promoting a safety culture is a legal and moral obligation. 

According to the Canadian Centre of Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), over 348,747 workplace injury claims were accepted in 2024, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures.

Unfortunately, not all workplaces maintain an effective safety culture. Some organizations may overlook warning signs indicating gaps in their health and safety approach. These issues can lead to unsafe practices, increased accident rates, and decreased employee morale.

This blog will explore key signs of a poor safety culture and how they impact workers and organizations. 

From inconsistent enforcement of safety policies to a lack of employee engagement, recognizing these red flags is the first step toward improvement. 

Additionally, we'll discuss how workplace health and safety training courses can address these issues, equipping teams with the knowledge and tools to create a safer environment.

Whether you're a business owner, manager, or employee, understanding the signs of a poor safety culture is essential for creating a culture of safety.

What is Workplace Health and Safety Culture

Workplace health and safety culture refers to the shared attitudes, beliefs, values, and practices that influence how safety is perceived, prioritized, and implemented within an organization. 

It reflects the collective mindset of employees and leadership regarding the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. 

A strong safety culture promotes proactive behaviors to prevent accidents and injuries, while a weak culture often results in higher risks and incidents.

Significance of Health and Safety Culture

Health and safety culture is critical in shaping employee behavior and organizational performance. 

When safety is deeply embedded in an organization's culture, employees are likelier to adhere to safety protocols, report hazards, and take preventive measures. Similarly, a poor safety culture can lead to negligence, increased accidents, and even loss of life.

The high costs associated with workplace injuries highlight the importance of a strong safety culture. 

According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC), over 271,000 workplace injuries were reported in 2021, with billions spent on compensation and lost productivity. 

A robust safety culture can significantly reduce these numbers by encouraging accountability and compliance with safety standards.

By promoting a positive health and safety culture, organizations protect their employees and enhance operational efficiency, reputation, and compliance with regulatory standards.

10 Signs of a Poor Health and Safety Culture

10-signs-of-a-poor-health-and-safety-culture

A poor health and safety culture is one of the most significant barriers to creating a safe and efficient workplace. 

It often manifests as attitudes and behaviors overlooking safety protocols, leading to increased risks, injuries, and legal consequences. 

Recognizing these warning signs is the first step toward making necessary improvements. Below are some critical indicators of a poor health and safety culture:

1. Lack of Leadership Commitment

lack-of-leadership-commitment

Leadership sets the tone for safety culture. When leaders show little interest in safety initiatives or fail to prioritize them, it sends a message that safety isn't necessary. 

Disengaged leadership can be seen in neglecting to allocate resources for safety measures, ignoring safety violations, or not participating in safety training sessions.

This lack of commitment discourages employees from taking safety seriously. For example, if managers overlook safety hazards or fail to enforce safety protocols, employees may follow suit, leading to unsafe practices becoming normalized. 

A Canadian study revealed that organizations with strong leadership involvement experienced 43% fewer workplace injuries than those with disengaged leaders.

To counter this, leaders must actively model safe behaviors, prioritize safety in meetings, and consistently communicate its importance. Demonstrating genuine concern for employees' well-being inspires trust and establishes a culture of accountability.

2. Poor Communication

poor-communication

Ineffective safety communication is a symbol of a weak safety culture. This could involve unclear safety protocols, infrequent updates about workplace hazards, or a lack of platforms for employees to voice concerns. 

Misunderstandings and confusion about safety rules often result from poor communication, leading to unsafe actions or non-compliance.

For instance, accidents are more likely if employees are unaware of updated procedures for handling hazardous materials. Poor communication also affects incident reporting, as employees may not know how or when to report safety concerns.

Organizations can address this by creating clear, two-way communication channels. Regular safety briefings, accessible training materials, and open forums for feedback ensure that everyone stays informed and aligned on safety goals.

3. Underreporting of Incidents

underreporting-of-incidents

Underreporting accidents or near misses is a significant issue in workplaces with poor safety cultures. 

Employees may avoid reporting incidents due to fear of blame, punishment, or negative performance reviews. This creates a dangerous cycle where hazards go unnoticed, and opportunities to improve safety are missed.

For example, a minor equipment malfunction that isn't reported could later result in a severe accident. According to WorkSafeBC, incident underreporting is a common challenge, with many near misses going unnoticed until they escalate.

4. Low Employee Engagement

low-employee-engagement

Employee engagement plays a critical role in ensuring a strong safety culture. When employees are disengaged, they may show little interest in safety discussions or initiatives. 

Signs of low engagement include skipping safety meetings, failing to participate in safety drills, or ignoring safety reminders such as posters or emails. Employees may also neglect to report potential hazards or fail to suggest improvements in safety practices.

Low engagement often occurs when employees feel that the company does not take safety seriously or that their feedback is not valued. It can also arise from inadequate training or a lack of understanding of the importance of safety measures. 

For instance, employees might not attend training sessions because they do not perceive the value in them, or they may feel that safety protocols are redundant or irrelevant to their role.

Companies must prioritize training and involve employees in safety decision-making to deal with low engagement. Providing hands-on, role-specific training and ensuring employees understand how safety procedures apply to their daily tasks can bring a sense of ownership. 

Additionally, actively involving employees in safety committees, seeking their input on safety improvements, and regularly acknowledging their contributions can boost morale and participation. 

When employees are genuinely engaged, they are more likely to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of their colleagues.

5. Negative Feedback from Employees

negative-feedback-from-employees

Consistent negative feedback about safety practices seriously indicates underlying workplace safety culture issues. 

Employees dissatisfied with safety protocols may raise concerns about ineffective training, inadequate equipment, unclear procedures, or the perceived lack of management support for safety initiatives. 

While occasional complaints are regular, recurring negative feedback can signal deeper systemic problems that need immediate attention.

For example, employees might complain about the lack of proper safety gear, insufficient emergency preparedness, or the failure to address safety hazards. If these concerns are ignored, employees may become disillusioned, and morale can decline. 

A culture of silence or fear around reporting safety issues further exacerbates the problem, as employees might not feel empowered to express their concerns.

Management must take employee feedback seriously, actively seeking input on safety concerns and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable voicing their opinions. 

Regular surveys, one-on-one meetings, and safety audits can help identify areas lacking safety culture. Moreover, taking prompt corrective actions in response to negative feedback can help rebuild trust and demonstrate management's commitment to a safer workplace.

6. High Accident Rates

high-accident-rates

High accident rates indicate that safety culture is ineffective and requires immediate attention. Frequent accidents suggest that safety protocols may be inadequate, poorly enforced, or poorly understood by employees. 

These incidents can range from minor injuries to severe accidents, and they are often a result of systemic issues that go unaddressed.

For example, if multiple employees are injured due to the same hazardous condition, the organization has not taken the necessary steps to eliminate or control that risk. Additionally, repetitive accidents may point to a lack of proper safety training or insufficient safety measures.

Workplace accident rates in Canada have steadily decreased due to stronger regulations and improved safety practices, but any rise in accident frequency is a warning sign.

When high accident rates occur, immediate investigation and corrective action are needed. A thorough review of the incidents, safety protocols, equipment, and employee training programs can help identify the root causes. 

Corrective actions include revising safety policies, implementing better training, upgrading equipment, or improving hazard identification processes. Organizations can reduce accidents and improve workplace safety by taking swift and decisive action.

7. Double Standards in Safety Practices

Double standards in safety practices can seriously erode trust within an organization and undermine efforts to promote a strong safety culture. 

When certain employees, particularly those in higher positions, can bypass safety rules or are not held accountable for violations, it sends a harmful message to the rest of the workforce. 

Employees may believe safety is only a priority for lower-level staff, creating resentment and disengagement.

For instance, if managers or supervisors are seen not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) or skipping safety checks, it can lead to a perception of favoritism and inequity. 

Employees may follow their example, believing that safety protocols do not apply to them or that they will not face consequences for breaking the rules. 

This lack of consistency can create an environment where safety violations go unchecked, ultimately increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Safety rules must be consistently enforced at all levels of the organization to avoid double standards. Senior leaders should model safe behaviors and follow others' example. 

Regular safety audits, transparent hazard reporting systems, and holding all employees accountable for their actions are essential for maintaining trust and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. 

All employees, regardless of their position, should be expected to adhere to the same safety standards to create a culture of fairness and responsibility.

8. Resistance to Change

Resistance to change can be one of the most significant obstacles to improving workplace safety culture. In environments where employees or management are reluctant to adopt new safety practices or update outdated procedures, the risk of accidents or injuries increases. 

This resistance may manifest in several ways, including employees ignoring new safety policies, managers dismissing recommended changes, or a general unwillingness to embrace safety improvements, even when supported by evidence or regulatory updates.

This stubbornness towards change can stem from a variety of factors. Employees may feel comfortable with established routines and hesitate to alter their working methods. 

Additionally, fear of the unknown or perceived inconvenience of new practices can cause pushback. In some cases, management may prioritize short-term productivity over long-term safety improvements, undermining the implementation of necessary changes.

Encouraging a positive safety culture involves promoting openness to change and creating an environment where employees and leadership can collaborate on safety improvements.

Management must communicate the reasons for changes and involve employees in decision-making. 

Regular training, feedback sessions, and discussions about the benefits of adopting new safety protocols can ease the transition. 

An organization that values continuous improvement in safety practices is committed to employee well-being and contributes to a safer and more engaged workforce.

9. Inadequate Resources for Safety

Inadequate resources for safety initiatives are a serious barrier to maintaining a strong safety culture. Organizations struggle to implement effective safety programs without proper financial investment, equipment, or human resources. 

For example, insufficient funds may lead to outdated or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), training materials, or safety equipment. 

Furthermore, a lack of personnel dedicated to overseeing safety protocols can hinder the effectiveness of safety programs, leading to unaddressed hazards or overlooked risks.

In the Canadian context, the importance of investing in health and safety initiatives is underscored by both moral and legal obligations. 

A recent report from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) highlights that workplace injuries cost businesses in Canada billions of dollars annually, not to mention the devastating impact on employee well-being. 

Failing to invest in safety resources can result in preventable accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, affecting the individuals involved and damaging the organization's reputation and financial stability.

Investing in adequate resources is critical for ensuring that safety procedures are effective and that employees are adequately trained. 

This includes allocating budgets for up-to-date safety equipment, providing sufficient time for training, and ensuring that safety officers or teams are in place to monitor and enforce protocols. 

CSTC offers various safety training courses, including:

  1. Accident and Incident Investigation Training
  2. Aerial Lift Training
  3. Asbestos Awareness Training Course
  4. Confined Space Awareness Training
  5. Cold Stress Awareness Training
  6. H2S Training Course

Organizations that prioritize safety resources by enrolling their employees in safety courses show their commitment to protecting employees.

10. Compliance Issues

compliance-issues

Failure to comply with legal health and safety requirements is a glaring sign of a poor safety culture. Legal obligations, such as adhering to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, are not optional – they are essential for protecting workers and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Non-compliance can occur in various forms, such as failing to conduct required safety inspections, neglecting to report accidents or injuries, or not following established protocols for specific hazardous tasks.

In Canada, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) laws, such as the Canada Labour Code, require employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment. 

Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and legal action. 

Beyond the legal ramifications, failure to comply with health and safety standards erodes trust between employees and management. Employees may feel unsafe, and morale can plummet, decreasing productivity and higher turnover.

In addition to legal risks, non-compliance increases the chance of workplace accidents and injuries, which can be costly for the organization in terms of financial loss and damage to reputation. 

A strong safety culture requires a commitment to compliance and a proactive approach to meeting regulatory standards. Regular audits, consistent training, and clear communication about safety regulations help ensure organizations stay compliant and minimize risks. 

By prioritizing compliance, organizations show their dedication to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Addressing these signs of a poor safety culture can help organizations create a more proactive and effective safety environment that benefits employees and the business.

The Impact of Poor Health and Safety Culture

An adverse health and safety culture can impact various aspects of an organization, including employee morale, productivity, and overall business performance. 

When safety is not a priority, employees are likely to feel undervalued and unsafe, which leads to low morale and disengagement. 

A lack of trust in leadership's commitment to safety can create stress and anxiety, making employees less motivated and more prone to absenteeism. As a result, productivity suffers because employees are distracted or fearful of working in an unsafe environment.

Moreover, poor safety culture also creates an environment where accidents and injuries are more likely to occur. This disrupts day-to-day operations and leads to higher costs associated with workplace accidents. 

Injuries and illnesses result in medical expenses, insurance claims, and compensation payouts, which can drain company resources. 

The adverse effects extend beyond the immediate financial burden, as the company may also face increased turnover, decreased employee loyalty, and damage to its reputation in the marketplace.

The long-term financial implications of a poor health and safety culture can be significant. Beyond the direct costs of incidents, there are costs related to legal liabilities, penalties for non-compliance with regulations, and potential lawsuits

Companies that cannot maintain a safe working environment may also face productivity losses due to workforce disruptions and high recruitment costs to replace injured workers.

Furthermore, an organization's public image can suffer, impacting customer confidence, diminishing brand reputation, and affecting future business opportunities.

Investing in a positive health and safety culture is not just a moral obligation but also a financial necessity. 

Fostering a safe and supportive work environment improves employee morale, increases productivity, and reduces financial risks, ultimately contributing to long-term business success.

Improving Health and Safety Culture Through Training

improving-health-and-safety-culture-through-training

Workplace health and safety training courses are crucial in addressing issues from a poor safety culture. They serve as a proactive solution to improve awareness, engagement, and the overall safety of the workforce. 

By incorporating comprehensive safety training into the workplace, organizations can tackle the root causes of a negative safety culture and help cultivate a safer, more productive environment.

1. Enhances Employee Awareness and Engagement

Training programs help employees recognize the importance of workplace safety and their role in maintaining it. 

When employees understand the risks associated with their jobs and the consequences of unsafe behaviors, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to following safety protocols. 

Training creates a sense of personal responsibility, making employees feel empowered and more likely to actively identify potential hazards and address safety concerns. This heightened awareness reduces the likelihood of accidents and creates a safer work environment.

2. Provides Necessary Skills for Safe Work Practices

Health and safety training equips employees with the practical skills and knowledge to handle hazardous materials, use equipment safely, and follow standard operating procedures effectively. 

Training ensures that employees can carry out their tasks without putting themselves or others at risk, whether understanding lockout/tagout procedures or learning how to use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly. These skills are essential for preventing accidents and ensuring employees are confident following safe work practices.

3. Fosters Open Communication About Health and Safety Concerns

One of the most effective ways to reduce workplace accidents is by fostering a proactive safety culture, where employees feel encouraged to report hazards, participate in training, and adhere to established safety protocols.

Training also creates a platform for openly communicating safety concerns between employees and management. When employees feel comfortable discussing hazards and reporting unsafe practices without fear of retaliation, it promotes a transparent safety culture. 

Encouraging feedback and dialogue about safety protocols helps identify gaps in current procedures, allowing organizations to address them before they lead to accidents or injuries.

Additionally, management can use training to remind employees that their safety is a top priority, further strengthening the organization's commitment to well-being.

Investing in workplace health and safety training is essential for improving safety culture. It enhances employee awareness and engagement, provides the necessary skills for safe work practices, and promotes open communication about health and safety concerns. 

By implementing comprehensive training programs, organizations can establish a strong foundation for a safer, more productive work environment, reducing accidents and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of a bad safety culture?

Symptoms of a bad safety culture include a lack of leadership commitment, underreporting of incidents, frequent accidents, and employee disengagement. Employees may also resist safety changes or feel unsafe at work.

How does poor communication affect workplace safety?

Poor communication leads to misunderstandings about safety protocols, increasing the likelihood of accidents. It can result in unclear instructions, unreported hazards, and employees not feeling comfortable voicing safety concerns.

What steps can organizations take to improve their safety culture?

Organizations can improve safety culture by offering comprehensive training, ensuring clear communication, and involving employees in safety decisions. Leadership should model safety practices and address concerns proactively.

Conclusion

A poor health and safety culture can manifest through various signs, including a lack of leadership commitment, poor communication, underreporting of incidents, low employee engagement, and frequent accidents. 

These indicators reflect deeper systemic issues that can harm employee morale, productivity, and overall business performance. Failure to invest in proper resources, provide necessary training, and enforce safety policies consistently can worsen these issues.

Organizations must proactively improve their safety culture to create a safer and more productive work environment. 

This includes investing in comprehensive workplace health and safety training that empowers employees to understand risks, follow safety protocols, and actively participate in safety discussions. 

Leadership should model safe behaviors and engage with employees to create a culture of openness, trust, and continuous improvement.

By prioritizing safety, organizations mitigate risks and legal liabilities and improve employee well-being and performance. Health and safety should be integral to an organization's culture and success.

Explore available workplace health and safety training courses to address these critical issues and create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone in your organization.