In the safety industry, particularly within construction and asset-intensive sectors, companies face a variety of challenges that can significantly impact their operations and employee well-being. Organisations often find themselves at different stages of safety maturity, which encompasses their processes (such as Safe Work Method Statements), their people (training and development), and their technology (safety tech for hazard and injury prevention). Despite advancements in these areas, a pervasive issue remains: underreporting of safety hazards and incidents.

The Underreporting Dilemma: Why It Happens

Even in organisations with well-developed safety postures, studies show that only about one-third of safety hazards and incidents are reported. This underreporting can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Fear of Repercussions: Employees may hesitate to report incidents or near misses due to fear of disciplinary action, blame, or negative consequences. This fear can be particularly strong in environments where a blame culture exists, or where past reports have led to punitive measures.
2. Lack of Awareness or Understanding: In some cases, workers may not fully understand what constitutes a reportable incident, leading to underreporting. This can be due to inadequate training or unclear guidelines on what should be reported.
3. Perceived Ineffectiveness: If employees feel that reporting incidents does not lead to meaningful action or change, they may become disillusioned with the process. This perception can reduce their motivation to report future hazards.
4. Time Constraints and Complexity: The process of reporting can sometimes be cumbersome and time-consuming, particularly if it involves complex forms or multiple steps. In high-pressure environments, workers may prioritise immediate tasks over completing a report.
5. Normalisation of Risks: In industries where certain risks are viewed as “part of the job,” there may be a tendency to normalise hazards, leading to a culture where reporting is seen as unnecessary or overly cautious.

Improving Reporting Through Culture and Technology

To address the underreporting issue, companies must take a proactive approach that combines cultural shifts with the integration of effective safety technology.

1. Fostering a Positive Safety Culture: Organisations need to cultivate a culture of openness and trust where employees feel safe to report incidents without fear of blame or punishment. This involves leadership setting the tone by encouraging reporting, celebrating transparency, and ensuring that all reports are taken seriously and acted upon.
2. Training and Education: Regular and comprehensive training programs are crucial to ensure that all employees understand the importance of reporting and know exactly what to report. These programs should be reinforced with clear, accessible guidelines and continuous communication.
3. Simplifying the Reporting Process: Streamlining the reporting process can significantly increase participation. Utilising user-friendly technology that allows for quick and easy reporting—such as mobile apps or integrated systems—can reduce the burden on employees and encourage more frequent submissions.
4. Leveraging Safety Technology: Implementing advanced safety technology can transform how incidents and hazards are reported and managed. AI-powered surveillance systems, like those offered by Safe-Sight.ai, can automatically detect and log hazards in real-time, reducing the reliance on manual reporting. These systems not only improve accuracy but also ensure that no critical information is missed.
5. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Providing feedback to employees who report hazards is essential for maintaining engagement. When workers see that their reports lead to actionable improvements, they are more likely to continue participating in the reporting process. Additionally, organisations should regularly review and refine their reporting procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with safety goals.

Building a Safer Future

Underreporting is a significant barrier to achieving a truly safe working environment, particularly in high-risk industries like construction and asset management. By addressing the root causes of underreporting and integrating supportive technology, companies can improve their safety reporting processes, leading to better hazard identification, injury prevention, and overall workplace safety.

At Safe-Sight.ai, we are committed to helping organisations overcome these challenges by providing innovative safety solutions that enhance both the culture and technology needed for effective safety management. Together, we can build a future where every hazard is reported, and every worker is protected.