When we try to create a ?safety culture,? we often start with the people on the shop floor, where obvious hazards lurk, like electric shock and oil slicks. Actually, one of the most effective places to begin creating a safety culture is the boss? office. (And if you are ?the boss,? thanks for reading this post.)

For a safety program, the difference between success or failure is often defined by the level of senior management team involvement. When GMs, owners or CEOs are involved, the safety culture takes off. Here are some of the important ways bosses make a difference:
Be present at safety committee meetings ? This probably goes without saying, but the presence of top managers at these meetings sends a clear message that safety?s a priority. When something comes up and leaders can?t attend, they should review the minutes.Include safety in discussions about profitability ? Safety improves the bottom line, since it reduces the risk of fines and workers? compensation rate hikes. When the boss talks about safety and revenue in the same breath, safety gets the attention it deserves.Lead by example ? When senior managers attend safety trainings, follow the same procedures that employees use, or get involved in inspection follow-up, they ?walk the talk.?Safety requires teamwork, from the top to the bottom of a dealer?s org chart. In the case of your dealership or dealer group, what can you do to help management?s relationship with the safety team?

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