What should a safety culture in the workplace primarily aim to enhance?

A safety culture in the workplace primarily aims to enhance employee engagement and overall safety because it fosters an environment where safety is a shared value and priority among all team members. This approach encourages active participation from all employees in identifying risks, sharing safety concerns, and promoting best practices, which collectively contribute to reducing incidents and improving the overall safety of the workplace.

A strong safety culture supports open communication, where employees feel empowered to speak up about safety issues without fear of reprisal. This not only promotes individual responsibility but also strengthens teamwork as everyone collaborates towards common safety goals. By enhancing engagement, employees are more likely to understand the importance of safety procedures and adhere to them, ultimately leading to a safer work environment.

In contrast, the other options focus on aspects that do not contribute positively to safety culture. Outdated policies do not reflect current best practices, management authority and control may stifle employee input and initiative, and minimal communication between departments can lead to misunderstandings and safety oversights. These elements can hinder the development of a robust safety culture, making employee engagement and overall safety the clear focus of an effective workplace safety initiative.