This is the first of a four-part series addressing ways to get more people involved in efforts to prevent injuries on the job. The ten principles presented here are founded on accepted psychological theory and empirical research rather than common sense. Let's start with the most basic strategy of all, and probably the most important - our language.
Such language certainly limits voluntary participation. Who wants to get involved in an "accident investigation" that seemingly attempts to find out who didn't "comply" with some safety "regulation" and therefore contributed to a "loss"? And who feels good about putting on an "occupant restraint" in order to comply with a corporate "mandate"?