What do I do if workers don’t follow safety procedures?

03 Jun What do I do if workers don’t follow safety procedures?

One of the most frustrating challenges for any business owner or manager is this: you’ve put time into creating health and safety procedures… but workers still don’t follow them.

Whether it’s skipping PPE, ignoring a process, or taking shortcuts to save time, non-compliance puts your people – and your business – at risk.

So what should you actually do when this happens?

Let’s break it down into practical, real-world steps.

Step 1: Don’t jump straight to blame

It’s easy to assume workers are being careless or difficult – but in many cases, that’s not the root cause.

Start by asking:

• Do they understand the procedure?
• Have they been properly trained?
• Is the procedure practical in real working conditions?
• Are supervisors reinforcing expectations?

Non-compliance is often a systems issue, not just a people issue.

Step 2: Check that training is clear and proven

If a worker isn’t following a procedure, one of the first things to verify is competency.

Ask yourself:

• Have they been shown how to do the task safely?
• Have they demonstrated that they can do it correctly?
• Is there a record of that competency?

If the answer is “not really,” then the issue may be a training gap – not a behaviour problem.

Tip: Move beyond “tick-box” inductions. Use practical demonstrations and sign-offs to prove understanding.

Step 3: Make sure procedures are realistic

Sometimes workers ignore procedures because they simply don’t work in practice.

Common signs:

• The process is too slow or complicated
• It doesn’t match real site conditions
• It creates unnecessary extra work

When this happens, workers often create their own “workarounds.”

Solution: Involve workers in reviewing procedures. Ask them “How would you actually do this job safely?”. You’ll often uncover simple improvements that increase both safety and compliance.

Step 4: Reinforce expectations consistently

If rules are only enforced sometimes, they’ll only be followed sometimes.

Consistency is key:

• Supervisors must lead by example.
• Unsafe behaviour should be addressed immediately.
• Safe behaviour should be recognised and reinforced.

If one worker gets pulled up and another doesn’t, your system loses credibility fast.

Step 5: Use toolbox talks to reset standards

Toolbox talks are a powerful way to:

• Remind workers of expectations.
• Explain why procedures matter.
• Discuss recent incidents or near misses.
• Get buy-in from the team.

Keep them short, practical, and relevant to actual work being done.

Step 6: Have clear consequences (and follow through)

If workers knowingly ignore safety procedures after training and support, there must be consequences.

This isn’t about punishment – it’s about protecting people.

A fair process might include:

1. Verbal warning and coaching.
2. Written warning.
3. Further disciplinary action if needed.

The key is fairness and consistency.

Step 7: Look at leadership and culture

Take a step back and ask a harder question – “What does our workplace culture actually reward?”

If the focus is on speed, output, or cutting costs, workers may feel pressure to take shortcuts – even if it’s unspoken.

Strong safety cultures are built when:

• Leaders prioritise safety over productivity when needed;
• Workers feel comfortable speaking up; and
• Safe work is the normal way of working.

Step 8: Document what you’re doing

From a legal and practical perspective, documentation matters.

Make sure you record:

• Training and competency sign-offs;
• Toolbox talks;
• Incidents and near misses; and
• Any corrective actions taken.

This shows you are actively managing risks – not just relying on rules existing on paper.

The Bottom Line

If workers aren’t following safety procedures, the solution isn’t just “tell them to do better.”

It’s about:

• Clear training;
• Practical systems;
• Consistent leadership; and
• Accountability when needed.

When you get those foundations right, compliance becomes much easier – and much more natural.

Final Thoughts

Non-compliance is a signal.

Instead of asking “Why aren’t they following the rules?”, ask “What’s stopping them from working safely – and how do we fix it?”

That shift in thinking is where real improvement starts.

Other suggested articles:

• How often should you review health and safety documentation?
• Training with Safe Operating Procedures
• Safe Operating Procedures to purchase
• What Should A Health and Safety Budget Include?

Please contact us if you would like to discuss.