So, you need a formal safety program. If you are in the AEC sector you are obligated and often required to have one. Yes, there are specific OSHA safety requirements and yes, you need to do on-site tool talks and log worker participation. But if you look closer, this is an opportunity!
Through the magic of marketing, your safety program can actually become a positive and integral part of your organization, one that helps drive business and get new clients. Here’s how:
Develop your safety program and appoint a staff safety director
A formal and written safety program should be on file as a testament to your safety dedication. A safety program not only helps keep employees and contractors safe, but it also helps your company meet bidding requirements, comply with OSHA safety regulations, reduce workplace injuries, minimize workers’ compensation claims, and finally, meet insurance requirements.
As your business grows, your safety program should also have a Safety Director to act as a point person for the program and a liaison in the field. This staffer should have a complete job description. As new projects are on-boarded, they should proactively identify site hazards that could harm workers. The safety director is responsible for all safety training. They also outline the proper procedures a company should follow to prevent accidents, and what to do if an accident happens in the workplace. They are responsible for all reporting and related documentation.
Develop a logo and a theme
The best safety programs drive the point home with both a theme and a logo design. Like all good branding, you should get creative. Assemble an internal committee to help set some direction. Here is where 4C can help. The design, color palette, and font should work with your existing image and tone as part of the same “family.” Consistency is key. Is the safety mark and the theme memorable? Relevant? Is the logo scalable? Does it work well using different sizes and colors? Your logo and your theme will set a foundational stage for success.
Here are some examples as developed with 4C’s creative direction:
Describe your safety program in detail
Pull together a safety program description and document it on your website, in your proposals, on your social sites, and in your training materials. Establish any tracking, documentation, and reporting procedures that are needed. Position your program as a positive part of your offerings, and a true asset of working with your organization.
By giving your safety program a brand and image, you can really drive home the value your company places on safety in the workplace. At 4C, we find this is an easy way to call attention to a very necessary part of your company’s operations.