FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
THE HEALTH & SAFETY LEADER’S VIEW
JOSH ORTEGA,
VP SAFETY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND PROCUREMENT AT VERIFORCE
Compliance lays the groundwork for workplace safety, but it’s not enough on its own. To really reduce incidents and create a safer environment, facilities managers need to be working to create a culture where safety isn’t just a rule to follow but something everyone takes ownership of. This transition will require a systematic change and consistent commitment from leadership, and across every level of the organisation.
One of the biggest shifts FMs can make is moving away from a ‘tick-the-box’ or compliance-driven mindset. Safety works best when people feel personally invested in it. This means involving employees and encouraging them to take responsibility for their own actions, feeling valued and motivated to play their part in it. Whether that’s through forming safety committees, conducting peer-to-peer safety observations, or simply making it easy for people to speak up when they notice something is off. When teams see their input is taken seriously and has materialised into action, safety becomes second nature rather than just another workplace requirement.
Communication continues to be important in this. Sharing actual safety stories, near-miss examples and successes will help people connect the dots between policies and real-world consequences. But for communication to work effectively, people need to feel safe when speaking up. That’s why FMs should establish clear and open channels, whether in the form of anonymous reporting systems, suggestion boxes, or regular safety briefings.
Hosting regular sessions will also help to keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Ultimately, employees must feel confident that raising concerns won’t lead to negative repercussions, but instead, to real action and positive change.
Technology can make this easier. With wearables, mobile apps, and VR training FMs can help to both improve safety tracking and engage people with safety in a way that feels practical and relevant, without the risk. By introducing tools and technology in a structured way, with proper training and support, FMs can ensure successful adoption and long-term safety improvements across the organisation.
The key is to pick the technology that genuinely enhances safety practices rather than applying it for the sake of innovation. Instead, consider solutions that streamline reporting processes, provide real-time hazard alerts, and make safety information more accessible to everyone.
But, perhaps, one of the most overlooked aspects of safety is mental wellbeing. People who are stressed, overworked, or exhausted are far more likely to make mistakes. FMs should be thinking about how to reduce those risks, providing proper break spaces, checking in on their people, and sharing access to stress management resources for when people may need more or even professional support. It’s important to create an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges just as they would with their physical safety concerns.
At the end of the day, leadership sets the tone. This means FMs need to be present, actively addressing hazards and recognising employees who champion and contribute to a safer environment. The goal isn’t just meeting compliance, but creating a workplace where safety is second nature, not an afterthought.
