An active, effective Safety Team is a critical element of your overall risk management program. In our study of hotel safety records and accident trends, we have found that hotels with the lowest frequency and severity rates also have Safety Teams that get out there and make "it" happen. "It" is the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture. 

Here are some tips to make your Safety Team more effective:

• If you are still referring to your Safety Team as a Committee, try making the change to Safety Team to instill the theory of teamwork into the group.
• Train them to understand their roles and responsibilities as Safety Team members. In many states it is also a requirement to train them in accident investigation and hazard identification techniques.
• Be sure to include Safety Team members from EVERY department.
• Consider an incentive program designed specifically for Safety Team members to encourage and reward their active participation. Call if you want some ideas from successful hotel Safety Teams.
• Invite the Safety Team Chairperson to attend the monthly Executive/Risk Management Team meetings to give them a chance to share what is happening with the Safety Team.
• Provide binders for each of the Safety Team members to help them organize their meeting materials and be better prepared to fulfill their Safety Team responsibilities.
• Give the Safety Team their own budget to do with as they see fit. They can use this money to develop incentive programs and purchase safety-related items like safety posters and videos, or help create safety stations throughout the hotel.
• Enforce monthly department meetings and require your supervisors to have the Safety Team member from their department speak at each meeting to review the latest Safety Team news and activities.
• Be sure to post the Safety Team minutes in the cafeteria or break room(s) and on as many department bulletin boards as possible.
• Empower them to make safety-related decisions.
• Help them to make it fun!
  

In many states throughout the country, having a Safety Team is no longer just a good idea; it is a code requirement. So if you "have" to have one anyway, why not make it one of the most effective and respected teams in the hotel.

As always, if we can be of further service to you or if you have any questions, please call Marsh's  Hospitality Practice.

Overview

Reading Room

Contact Us