What Drives Safe Behaviour at Work?

Understanding the Human Side of Health & Safety

At SJH Safety Solutions, we regularly work with organisations that have robust policies, clear procedures, and well-documented training. And yet, incidents still occur. Why? Because compliance on paper doesn’t always translate into compliance in practice.

One of the most significant challenges in workplace health and safety is influencing human behaviour. Systems are essential — but people are the ones who carry out the work, take the shortcuts, speak up (or stay silent), and ultimately make the difference between a safe environment and a risky one.

The Problem: Unsafe Behaviour Isn’t Always About a Lack of Rules

Many workplace accidents aren’t caused by a lack of procedures or PPE. They occur because of behavioural choices — often influenced by a mix of individual, social, and organisational factors.

Let’s explore some of the key influences on safety behaviour:

1. Perception of Risk

Different people interpret risk in different ways. A worker with years of experience may believe they can "handle it" without protection. A new recruit may feel unsure but follow what others are doing.

If workers don’t fully understand the risks or feel they are unlikely to be harmed, they may underestimate the consequences of their actions.

2. Social Norms and Peer Pressure

Safety culture isn't created by policies alone — it lives and breathes through the team. If colleagues routinely ignore protective measures or “make do” without following procedure, this quickly becomes the norm.

In such environments, newer workers often copy what they see, assuming it's acceptable. Worse still, individuals who do try to follow safe practices may face subtle pressure to conform.

3. Organisational Climate and Leadership

When time pressures, unrealistic targets, or a “get it done” mentality dominate, safety often takes a back seat.

Leaders and supervisors play a pivotal role here. If they prioritise productivity over protection — or if their actions don’t match their words — it sends a clear message: safety isn’t really a priority.

Improving Safety Behaviour: Beyond the Basics

To foster a workplace where safe behaviour is the norm, we need to move beyond simple compliance checklists. Here are five practical strategies to drive safer behaviour at all levels:

1. Involve Workers in the Process

Include frontline staff in risk assessments, safety walkarounds, and toolbox talks. When people are part of the solution, they’re far more likely to follow through. Ownership breeds accountability.

2. Make Safety Training Interactive and Relevant

Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all presentations. Use real-world examples, hands-on sessions, and encourage questions. Tailoring content to roles and risk exposure makes training far more impactful.

3. Create Safe Spaces for Feedback

Encourage open dialogue about safety concerns. Anonymous reporting tools, regular safety briefings, and a culture that avoids blame can all increase reporting and early intervention.

4. Recognise and Reinforce Positive Behaviour

Catching people “doing it right” is just as important as correcting unsafe actions. Recognition, whether formal or informal, helps build lasting habits and a sense of pride in working safely.

5. Lead by Example – Consistently

Supervisors, managers, and directors must walk the talk. Wearing the correct PPE, following procedures, and giving safety the time and attention it deserves sends a powerful message to the entire team.

A Safer Culture Starts With Understanding

Building a true safety culture means looking beyond paperwork and focusing on what actually shapes people’s behaviour. It takes effort, consistency, and a genuine commitment from leadership — but the return on investment is clear: fewer incidents, higher morale, and a stronger reputation.

At SJH Safety Solutions, we support organisations in developing behavioural safety programmes that make a measurable difference. If you're ready to move from reactive to proactive safety management, we're here to help.

DM us or email us to find out how we can support your behavioural safety goals and wider compliance needs.