It is easy for groups within institutions to fall victim to a “silo” operational approach, between handling day-to-day operations and unplanned challenges. The danger in this is obvious when safety is isolated as a group few know about and only turn to when there is an occupational exposure. Building bridges between safety professionals and other groups within an institution – be it veterinary support, maintenance or researchers – is important to ensure the safety of all employees and strengthen safety culture. Implementing communication programs to build internal outreach can take the form of periodic publications or regular working group meetings. Each institution may have unique resources that can be allocated to this effort as well. Here are examples of some of the safety bridges our institution has built with various stakeholder groups.
Every six months safety representatives meet with our veterinary support leadership. From PPE evaluations to preparation for external audit visits, this forum offers a communication platform where operational challenges can be addressed, action items identified, and best practice recommendations shared. Safety presentations are part of the agenda at monthly maintenance staff meetings, offering an opportunity to convey information on safety operational changes, new safety program implementations, or refresh staff on relevant safety information. Safety leadership targets institutional communication events to convey program changes and other relevant information. Whether a presentation to new postdoctoral fellows or institutional town halls, this grants yet another opportunity to bring safety to the forefront.
Maintaining open lines of communication fosters a collaborative environment where safety professionals are viewed as members of the same team. Take a minute to assess whether additional bridges should be built or existing bridges strengthened to better deliver the message of safety at your institution.
