NCJ Number
212335
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 72 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2005 Pages: 20-24,26,27
Date Published
November 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article explains how the DuPont Company's concept of a culture of safety can apply to law enforcement agencies.
Abstract
DuPont is a company with a strong safety culture, and the company has been invited to play a role in the Safe Shield project being undertaken by the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Division of State Associations of Chiefs of Police (SACOP). DuPont, which is one of the safest industrial companies in the world, is using its 200-year history of accumulated safety knowledge and experience to help other companies and organizations improve their safety records. DuPont's safety culture is based on a core set of principles. These principles condition employees to believe that safety is a core business and personal value; all injuries and safety incidents are preventable; line-management safety observations are necessary to show commitment, caring, and ownership for safety; line managers are accountable for the safety performance of their employees; employee involvement in the safety management process is critical; working safely is a condition of employment; all injuries must be reported immediately; safety off the job is an important element of the overall safety effort; and it is essential to investigate injuries and occupation illnesses as well as incidents with the potential for injury. Based on these principles, DuPont has developed the following 12-point checklist to help police leaders put their beliefs about safety into action: set a good example; know the operation; anticipate risks; discuss hazards; be alert for unsafe conditions; follow up; inspect often and inspect intelligently; take effective corrective actions; investigate incidents; maintain discipline; know your employees; and make safety part of your operation.