They show that management is serious and not giving safety lip service. They get employees involved by increasing the number of eyes and brains engaged in safety. Employees develop a sense of ownership in safety efforts. It also gives early warning of unsafe conditions.

Take some time to discuss the safe use of a tool or the proper way to use a ladder or any equipment that your store uses. Remember to log your topic and attendees in a file or binder, so if you are ever audited by Labor & Industries you can show you are actively promoting safety. L&I shows that lack of meeting documentation was the third most cited offense in 2020.

We can’t seem to say it enough, but holding these meetings raises the employee’s consciousness level about the work they are performing. Taking a shortcut can often lead to an accident.

To assist our Retro members with safety topic ideas, a Monthly Safety Packet is sent to members and also can be found here. Another tool is RS SafetyTV, which contains a variety of video topics to assist you with your safety meetings.

WR employs Rick Means as Director of Safety and Education who is available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198 x118, or [email protected].