Focus on Improving Safety Maturity
Safety maturity as a combination of culture (behavior), compliance (policies and procedures), and use of capital (technologies). Repeated studies show the top 20 percent of manufacturers achieve 5 to 7 percent higher OEE, 2 to 4 percent less unscheduled downtime, and less than half the injury rate of average performers – and the top performers are extending their lead.
Best-in-class performers view safety as a key element in their pursuit of operational excellence. And they use contemporary safety methodologies to help achieve it. For example, an LNS Research survey found 75 percent of industrial companies said they have seen operational improvements resulting from the use of advanced safety technology. This explains why these companies have also stated that they’re willing to pay for more connected, smarter, and safer machines.
Safety maturity is evolution more than revolution. It’s progress in improving safety culture, procedures and processes, and use of technology to achieve higher productivity and safety. It’s recognizing that safety and productivity are not mutually exclusive, but complementary – and taking steps that improve both.
So how do you improve safety maturity? Begin by assessing your own safety maturity and find where improvements are needed to improve your goals. Understanding your performance level and areas for improvement is critical to optimizing safety.