Rethinking OHS: The Millennial Approach to Workplace Safety

The millennial generation is quickly becoming a driving force in the workplace, and their impact is particularly evident in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS). Born between 1981 and 1996, millennials are now the largest demographic in the workforce and will make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, they are bringing a new perspective to safety leadership. In this article, we will explore the role that millennials are playing in promoting workplace health and safety, why they are well-suited for this leadership role, and the digital tools they are using to drive change. 

Millennials are making their mark in various job categories, including OHS. They are known for their diverse skills and technological savvy, which makes them well suited for leadership positions in this field. In addition, this generation is not afraid to take a stand when it comes to ensuring a safe work environment. According to the Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN), for most boomers OHS professionals (born between 1946 and 1964), if a hazard is not covered by specific regulations (OSHA 29 CFR sections and equivalent regs), its significance to workplace health and safety is diminished or ignored. On another note, a report from the American Psychological Association indicated that millennials rank personal safety as the leading cause of stress in the workplace as they place more emphasis on safety than any of the generations who came before them.

The workplace has undergone significant change over the past few years, with millennials taking the reins. From their choice for leadership in OHS to their mastery of technology, millennials are poised to shape the future of workplace safety.

How millennials are changing approaches to workplace safety

The millennial generation, also known as Generation Y, has been described as one of the most technologically advanced and socially conscious generations to date. This generation is known for their drive to make a positive impact on the world, and this drive is no different when it comes to their approach to workplace safety. In recent years, millennials have taken a leadership role in promoting workplace health and safety, and their influence is beginning to have a significant impact on the way safety is approached in the workplace.

One of the key ways that millennials are promoting workplace safety is through their use of technology. This generation is digital natives, and they understand the power of technology to drive change. They are using tools such as site safety management software, risk assessment tools, and mobile applications to help raise awareness about the importance of workplace safety and to help ensure that safety protocols are being followed. For example, many millennial OHS professionals are using site safety management software to keep track of safety incidents, to identify areas where safety improvements can be made, and to develop safety protocols that are tailored to the specific needs of their workplace. This type of software helps to ensure that everyone in the workplace is aware of the importance of safety and that everyone is following the same protocols to keep themselves and their coworkers safe.

In addition to using technology to promote safety, millennials are also advocating for workplace safety through their leadership positions in their organizations. They are bringing a new perspective to safety, one that is focused on creating a safer and more inclusive work environment. This new approach to safety is driven by a desire to create a workplace where employees feel valued and supported, and where they can be productive and successful without sacrificing their health or well-being.

This drive to promote workplace safety is also reflected in the way that millennials approach their careers. Many millennials are looking for careers that align with their values and that allow them to make a positive impact on the world. They are choosing careers in fields such as health and safety, where they can work to improve the lives of others and to help make the world a safer place.

What makes them a strong fit for OHS leadership position?

Millennials are well-suited for this leadership role for several reasons. First and foremost, they are passionate about promoting workplace safety. They believe that it is their responsibility to ensure that their colleagues are safe, and they are willing to put in the time and effort to make this a reality.

Let’s see what personality traits and strengths millennials can bring to occupational health and safety leadership positions:

• Tech-savvy:

• Safety-conscious: Studies have shown that millennials place a high value on safety in the workplace, making them natural advocates for implementing best practices and new technologies to improve workplace safety.

• Innovative thinking: Millennials bring fresh ideas and a willingness to challenge the status quo, which can lead to new and more effective approaches to occupational health and safety.

• Getting social: Social media is second nature to millennials as they are more familiar with platforms for discussing safety programs and engaging workers in conversation. Having a tool that allows conducting polls, sharing photos and stories that demonstrate one’s commitment to safety, and encouraging participation in a conversation makes them thrive.

• Collaborative mindset: Millennials are known for their teamwork and collaboration skills, which can help them to build cross-functional teams and partnerships to drive occupational health and safety initiatives.

• Strong and effective communication skills: Millennials have grown up in an age of instant communication, which has developed their ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and information to different audiences. They have more resources and skills to develop infographic-style visuals and social posts to help keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

While no one generation is the perfect fit for a particular role, millennials bring unique skills and perspectives that can help drive progress and innovation in this critical area.

Millennials driving change through digital innovations

As previously mentioned, technology is a key tool that millennials rely heavily on to revamp OHS. Additionally, the use of technology has become increasingly prevalent in promoting occupational health and safety in today's world. Millennials, as tech-savvy individuals, are at the forefront of using digital tools to drive change in this arena. These tools not only raise awareness of the importance of workplace safety, but also help ensure safety protocols are followed and incidents are consistently recorded and addressed. 

• Site safety management software

One of the most commonly used digital tools for promoting workplace safety. This software allows for the tracking of safety incidents, identification of areas for improvement, and development of customized safety protocols. This software helps to keep everyone in the workplace informed and engaged in the safety process.

• Occupational risk assessment software

This is another digital tool used in promoting workplace safety. This tool allows companies to assess and manage potential risks in the workplace, including physical, chemical, and biological hazards. By using this tool, companies can identify in real time areas where safety improvements are needed and take proactive steps to mitigate risks before they become a problem.

• E-PTW or Electronic Work Permit

An E-PTW is a work authorization software and system that can synchronize operational, maintenance, scheduled, and unscheduled work between organizations, while providing control over contractors. This technology helps organizations work efficiently and accurately, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to workplace safety and performance. Unlike the paper-based work permit process, oftentimes cumbersome for fieldwork but also time-consuming, this system provides total control over the operation and enables a safe workplace to prevent the occurrence of tampering and backdating practice.

• Mobility

Mobility is also a game-changing feature for millennials as mobile phone apps have become increasingly suitable but also popular for OSH. Many safety-related apps allow employees to report incidents, access safety information, and receive notifications of potential hazards. This helps to ensure that employees are informed and aware of the risks in their workplace, and that they always have the information they need to stay safe.

In conclusion, millennials are making a big impact on the field of occupational health and safety. With their focus on safety as a core value, innovative approach to leadership, and utilization of technology, this generation is well positioned to shape the future of workplace safety. Whether you're a millennial or a seasoned professional, it's clear that this generation is having a major impact and will continue to drive progress in the field for years to come.

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