Of course they are! Don’t ever let anyone, including your staff tell you otherwise. Let us discuss a few reasons why such meetings are vital.

First and foremost these meetings address safety concerns that could affect the well being of your guests and your associates. In addition to being the right thing to do, the costs of allowing unsafe conditions to exist can put you out of business very quickly.

Safety meetings also are an opportunity to review emergency preparedness plans. Failing to plan for the expected can also have long term financial and physical consequences. So…the question is, can you afford not to have these meetings?

Safety meetings should happen once a month and include a manager from each department. After a review of minutes from the prior meeting and any follow up, each attendee should have an opportunity to share concerns. Encourage the attendees to come prepared for maximum effectiveness. Once issues are brought up, assign an individual the responsibility to ensure each issue is taken care of. Follow up with those individuals periodically and at the next safety meeting.

Managers have a responsibility to the owners, to their associates and guests to provide a safe environment. Safety meetings are a critical piece in ensuring safe conditions for life and property.