A guidelines isn’t sufficient. In fast-paced environments with place modifications and excessive turnover, actual security isn’t nearly guidelines—it’s about habits. And habits is formed by what folks see, hear, and really feel each day on the job.
In a latest HR HotSpot webinar, Dusty Ross—President of Prepared Secure Go and former Division Security Director at a significant aerospace producer—joined Verstela’s Jenifer Lambert to share what it actually takes to construct a security tradition that lasts.
With greater than 28 years of expertise throughout manufacturing, aerospace, and consulting, Ross introduced management classes from each the ground and the boardroom. The dialog was equal components sensible and highly effective—reminding us that tradition isn’t constructed by posters or insurance policies, however by what folks truly do.
Why this dialog issues now
In at this time’s office, security can’t depend on instinct or “widespread sense.” With rotating shifts, frequent onboarding, and various expertise ranges, readability and consistency are every thing.
As Ross emphasised, the purpose isn’t simply getting folks to observe guidelines—it’s serving to them wish to. A robust security tradition reveals up when workers select to behave safely, not as a result of they’re being policed, however as a result of they perceive the why.
4 methods to strengthen security each day
1. Security Begins with Onboarding
Security tradition begins on day one. Ross shared how firms deliver security to life early—via visuals, values, and conversations, not simply compliance checklists. One standout instance: displaying worker photographs with captions like “Why I Work Secure,” connecting habits to what issues most.
How this helps: Security sticks when it’s private. Assist new hires perceive not simply what to do—however why it issues.
2. Make security seen
From visible boards that observe incidents to department-specific PPE signage, Ross confirmed how efficient groups make security a part of the on a regular basis surroundings. One instance: posting clear visuals close to workstations that present precisely what protecting gear is required—no guesswork, no confusion.
How this helps: Visible cues reinforce expectations and assist workers—particularly new ones—catch on quicker.
3. Rejoice Secure Conduct
Ross emphasised the facility of recognizing optimistic actions, not simply reacting to issues. Main organizations make it simple for workers to share security wins—like a coworker talking up, following protocol, or serving to stop a problem. When these actions are acknowledged rapidly, they achieve traction.
How this helps: Recognition drives repetition. The extra you spotlight what’s working, the extra possible your crew is to repeat it.
4. Encourage Talking Up—And Again It Up
Workers are sometimes the primary to identify a threat—however they’ll solely communicate up in the event that they realize it’s protected to take action. Ross shared how one firm not solely welcomed worker enter, however celebrated it. In a single case, a employee who paused an unsafe course of was acknowledged immediately by the CEO.
How this helps: When folks know they’ll be supported—not second-guessed—they’re extra more likely to act earlier than issues escalate.
Watch the complete dialog
This HR HotSpot session is filled with management insights, real-world examples, and actionable concepts for strengthening security tradition.
Accepted for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit.
A remaining thought: Tradition occurs—whether or not you form it or not.
Each group has a security tradition—it’s only a query of whether or not it’s intentional. The best leaders don’t go away it to likelihood. They mannequin expectations and reinforce them persistently. The end result? A safer office.
