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Issue link: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/i/1477550
WSPS.CA | 2022 HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP SURVEY WHITE PAPER 29 SENIOR LEADERSHIP In the white paper "Undertaking Culture Transformation to Adapt and Thrive," published by the CEO Health + Safety Leadership Network, Cheryl Fullerton, Executive Vice President of People and Communications at Corus Entertainment stressed that setting the tone and modelling desired behaviours must start at the top of the organization. "If you don't define the culture, language and expectations in a way that the CEO can demonstrably live, then I don't think you're going to have a cohesive culture." The survey responses support this viewpoint. The number of participants who indicated senior leadership is a driver of health and safety increased from 32% in 2019 to 46% this year. In Leading and Proactive organizations, the numbers increase to 65% and 53% respectively. When asked whether senior leadership is actively involved in health and safety, only 36% of Start of Journey and 54% of Reactive participants agreed. The numbers were much higher among more developed organizations. Lack of support across senior management has grown nine percentage points since 2020 and is the number one challenge in implementing health and safety in Start of Journey (56%) and Reactive (53%) organizations. Only 10% of Leading organizations identified this issue. This is an issue that comes up each year in this survey. However, it is widely known that if commitment to health and safety doesn't exist at the very top, it will not live throughout the organization. For some, it may not be lack of intent but an inability to demonstrate commitment in a meaningful and consistent way. Last year, WSPS presented the inaugural Safest CEO Award at the Canada's Safest Employers Awards Ceremony. During the event, the panel of nominees discussed how they create a culture of safety in their workplaces. They shared these actions and behaviours: Recognize that the things leaders say and do impact culture and values directly. Make time for health and safety – Make health and safety the first agenda item at every senior management meeting and don't set a time limit. If health and safety issues can't be resolved quickly, devote as much time as needed and defer other agenda items. Establish standards and ensure all leaders in the organization promote and commit to them. Encourage leaders to challenge and coach one another. Measure safety and track progress. Integrate safety into core values. Managing 82% Leading 96% Proactive 93%