The department's safety culture consists of what?

The safety culture within a department encompasses the established customs and practices that shape how safety is perceived, prioritized, and implemented by its members. These customs reflect the organization's shared values and beliefs regarding safety, influencing behaviors and attitudes towards it.

When a department has a strong safety culture, it indicates that safety is not just an obligation but ingrained in everyday practices and decision-making processes. Members of the department are likely to demonstrate consistent behavior that aligns with safety principles and actively contribute to maintaining a safe environment.

While philosophy, program, and education are essential components related to safety, they are not as reflective of the day-to-day actions and shared understandings that define the safety culture. Philosophy may guide the theoretical approach to safety, programs might dictate specific procedures or protocols, and education provides knowledge and training. However, customs capture the collective experience and ongoing interactions among personnel that truly define how safety is lived and practiced within the organization.