--- title: Kevin Burns Blog | safety leadership description: safety leadership | Tools and strategies to build supervisor leadership, clarify the safety message, and get employee buy-in. --- Kevin Burns Blog | safety leadership [![KevBurns Learning: We teach industrial supervisors how to be really great leaders.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kev-Burns-Learning-white.png?width=240&height=118&name=Kev-Burns-Learning-white.png "KevBurns Learning: We teach industrial supervisors how to be really great leaders.")](https://www.kevburns.com/) - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [7 Reasons to Not Work With Us](https://www.kevburns.com/7-reasons-not-to-work-with-us) - [52 Benefits of Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/52-benefits) - [Hope Calculator](https://www.kevburns.com/calculator) - [Issues](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [People](https://www.kevburns.com/people-issues) - [Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [Escalations](https://www.kevburns.com/escalation-issues) - [Resources](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Books](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Newsletter](https://www.kevburns.com/newsletter) - [Downloads](https://www.kevburns.com/downloads) - [Case Study NBU](https://www.kevburns.com/nbu-case-study) - [Case Study WCC](https://www.kevburns.com/wcc-case-study-2026) - [ROI Videos](https://www.kevburns.com/videos) - [Speaking](https://www.kevburns.com/speaking) - [Media/Podcast](https://www.kevburns.com/media) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.kevburns.com/contact-us) - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [7 Reasons to Not Work With Us](https://www.kevburns.com/7-reasons-not-to-work-with-us) - [52 Benefits of Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/52-benefits) - [Hope Calculator](https://www.kevburns.com/calculator) - [Issues](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [People](https://www.kevburns.com/people-issues) - [Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/safety-issues) - [Escalations](https://www.kevburns.com/escalation-issues) - [Resources](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Books](https://www.kevburns.com/books) - [Newsletter](https://www.kevburns.com/newsletter) - [Downloads](https://www.kevburns.com/downloads) - [Case Study NBU](https://www.kevburns.com/nbu-case-study) - [Case Study WCC](https://www.kevburns.com/wcc-case-study-2026) - [ROI Videos](https://www.kevburns.com/videos) - [Speaking](https://www.kevburns.com/speaking) - [Media/Podcast](https://www.kevburns.com/media) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.kevburns.com/contact-us) # Kevin Burns Blog #### Leadership for frontline industrial supervisors. [Current Articles](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) [RSS](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/rss.xml) [Why Work With Kevin?](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [safety leadership (247)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-leadership) - [safety culture (166)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-culture) - [kevin burns (138)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/kevin-burns) - [safety buy-in (125)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-buy-in) - [peoplework (96)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/peoplework) - [the carefull supervisor (90)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/the-carefull-supervisor) - [safety meeting (74)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-meeting) - [supervisor training (65)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-training) - [safety speaker (60)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-speaker) - [PeopleWork Supervisor Academy (59)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/peoplework-supervisor-academy) - [safety marketing (59)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-marketing) - 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[hope promotion (17)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/hope-promotion) - [Employee Retention (15)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-retention) - [workplace safety culture (14)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workplace-safety-culture) - [Industrial Supervision (13)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/industrial-supervision) - [workplace culture (12)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workplace-culture) - [Workplace Safety (11)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workplace-safety) - [Business ROI (10)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/business-roi) - [CareFull Supervisor (10)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/carefull-supervisor) - [Engaging frontline teams (9)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/engaging-frontline-teams) - [people skills (9)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/people-skills) - [positive supervisor (9)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/positive-supervisor) - [industrial leadership (6)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/industrial-leadership) - [supervisor communications (6)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-communications) - [frontline leadership (5)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/frontline-leadership) - [industrial safety (5)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/industrial-safety) - [operations management (5)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/operations-management) - [frontline supervisor training (3)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/frontline-supervisor-training) - [operational performance (3)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/operational-performance) - [team development (3)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/team-development) - [12 metrics (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/12-metrics) - [Employee Motivation (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-motivation) - [Succession Planning (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/succession-planning) - [absenteeism and safety (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/absenteeism-and-safety) - [disengagement (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/disengagement) - [employee turnover (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-turnover) - [frontline management (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/frontline-management) - [industrial management (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/industrial-management) - [manufacturing leadership (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/manufacturing-leadership) - [operations leadership (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/operations-leadership) - [people-leading skills (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/people-leading-skills) - [plant manager (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/plant-manager) - [psychological safety (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/psychological-safety) - [safety manager (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-manager) - [safety training for supervisors (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-training-for-supervisors) - [supervisor adaptability (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-adaptability) - [supervisor people-skills (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-people-skills) - [supervisor safety leadership (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-safety-leadership) - [supervisor trust (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-trust) - [team culture (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/team-culture) - [workforce stability (2)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workforce-stability) - [52 benefits of safety (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/52-benefits-of-safety) - [Absenteeism Reduction (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/absenteeism-reduction) - [FOMU (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/fomu) - [FOMU cascade (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/fomu-cascade) - [absenteeism (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/absenteeism) - [analysis paralysis (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/analysis-paralysis) - [care in the workplace (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/care-in-the-workplace) - [coaching supervisors (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/coaching-supervisors) - [confidence at work (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/confidence-at-work) - [core essentials (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/core-essentials) - [cost cutting (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/cost-cutting) - [crisis management (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/crisis-management) - [delegation (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/delegation) - [departmental budget cuts (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/departmental-budget-cuts) - [departmental silos (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/departmental-silos) - [ehs (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/ehs) - [employee burnout (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-burnout) - [employee wellbeing (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-wellbeing) - [employee wellness program (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employee-wellness-program) - [employees interrupt safety meetings (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/employees-interrupt-safety-meetings) - [escalations (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/escalations) - [exit interview (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/exit-interview) - [family safety culture (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/family-safety-culture) - [fear of messing up (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/fear-of-messing-up) - [ghosting (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/ghosting) - [how to improve safety culture (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/how-to-improve-safety-culture) - [how to reduce workplace stress (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/how-to-reduce-workplace-stress) - [how to run a safety meeting (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/how-to-run-a-safety-meeting) - [hse (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/hse) - [kevburns (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/kevburns) - [leadership standardization (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/leadership-standardization) - [management meetings (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/management-meetings) - [mental health at work (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/mental-health-at-work) - [new employee no-shows (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/new-employee-no-shows) - [onboarding (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/onboarding) - [organizational silos (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/organizational-silos) - [performance metrics (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/performance-metrics) - [peter principle (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/peter-principle) - [productivity (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/productivity) - [relationship management (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/relationship-management) - [safety meeting problems (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-meeting-problems) - [safety meeting script (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-meeting-script) - [safety performance (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-performance) - [safety posters (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-posters) - [safety program conditions (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-program-conditions) - [silo thinking (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/silo-thinking) - [staff retention (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/staff-retention) - [stress at work (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/stress-at-work) - [supervisor coaching (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-coaching) - [supervisor confidence (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-confidence) - [supervisor loneliness (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-loneliness) - [supervisor warning signs (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/supervisor-warning-signs) - [taking control of safety meetings (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/taking-control-of-safety-meetings) - [truly human leadership (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/truly-human-leadership) - [turnover and safety (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/turnover-and-safety) - [unplanned costs (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/unplanned-costs) - [workplace stress (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workplace-stress) - [workplace wellness (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/workplace-wellness) - [world-class safety program (1)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/world-class-safety-program) See all ## [Why Turnover, Absenteeism, and Disengagement Are Destroying Your Safety Numbers](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-turnover-absenteeism-and-disengagement-are-destroying-your-safety-numbers) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on July 10, 2026 [![safety isn't the problem](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/safety%20isnt%20the%20problem.jpg?width=900&name=safety%20isnt%20the%20problem.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-turnover-absenteeism-and-disengagement-are-destroying-your-safety-numbers) If your safety numbers aren't moving, your safety program probably isn't the problem. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-turnover-absenteeism-and-disengagement-are-destroying-your-safety-numbers) ## [The 10% Who Build Your Safety Culture (But You're Ignoring Them)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/10percent-who-build-your-culture) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on January 30, 2026 [![who is your safety messaging talking to? not everyone](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020260130.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020260130.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/10percent-who-build-your-culture) Your safety messaging is failing because you're committing marketing's biggest sin: trying to talk to "everyone." When you aim for everyone, you reach no one. The solution? Identify the critical 10% who actually influence your safety culture, and it's not who most safety departments think it is. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/10percent-who-build-your-culture) ## [The One Person Your Safety Program Is Afraid to Name](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-one-person-your-safety-program-is-afraid-to-name) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on January 16, 2026 [![name the person who controls your safety culture](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020260116.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020260116.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-one-person-your-safety-program-is-afraid-to-name) Every safety program talks about "people" doing things right. Procedures target "people." Behavior-based safety observes "people." The hierarchy of controls protects "people." But ask any anyone to identify exactly which people have the most control over safety culture, and they'll talk about engagement, systems, and culture—anything to avoid naming the specific person who determines whether safety works or fails. And that avoidance isn't accidental. It's deliberate. Because naming that person means admitting your approach has been wrong. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-one-person-your-safety-program-is-afraid-to-name) ## [You Can't Fix Culture By Only Focusing On Safety - Here's The Plan](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-culture-is-a-by-product-not-a-direct-result) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on June 22, 2026 [![why move only one metric when you can move 12?](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/20260109.jpg?width=900&name=20260109.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-culture-is-a-by-product-not-a-direct-result) You can't build a safety culture by only focusing on safety. Here's the leadership problem that's driving your incident rate, AND turnover, AND productivity, AND engagement, AND a dozen other problems ... including safety. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-culture-is-a-by-product-not-a-direct-result) ## [Your Best Supervisors Are Stumbling—And It's Costing You](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-best-supervisors-are-stumbling) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on December 5, 2025 [![Your Best Supervisors Are Stumbling—And It's Costing You](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020251205.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020251205.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-best-supervisors-are-stumbling) Your supervisors were promoted because they cared about their teams. But nobody taught them how to turn that care into actual leadership. Here's what that's costing you—and how to fix it. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-best-supervisors-are-stumbling) ## [Your Safety Culture Lives or Dies in the First 90 Days](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-culture-lives-or-dies-in-the-first-90-days) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on October 24, 2025 [![safety culture success is determined in the first 90 days](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020251024.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020251024.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-culture-lives-or-dies-in-the-first-90-days) Your new employees will either embrace or reject your safety culture within their first 90 days. Senior management can set policies and launch initiatives, but they can't create safety culture at the frontline level. New team members are learning something deeper through daily interactions: whether their supervisor genuinely cares about their well-being. The relationship built in those first 90 days determines everything about how that employee approaches safety for their entire time with your company. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-culture-lives-or-dies-in-the-first-90-days) ## [Your Safety Department Is Wasting Money Training the Wrong People](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-department-is-wasting-money-training-the-wrong-people) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on July 4, 2025 [![Your Safety Department Is Wasting Money Training the Wrong People](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020250704.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020250704.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-department-is-wasting-money-training-the-wrong-people) Your safety programs are well-designed, but they're missing crucial advocates. While most training budgets focus on safety professionals and managers, the real leverage point is developing the one person who either champions or undermines every initiative you launch. It's time to create safety allies where culture is actually made. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/your-safety-department-is-wasting-money-training-the-wrong-people) ## [Why Supervisor Development Must Matter to Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-supervisor-development-must-matter-to-safety) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on April 25, 2025 [![investing in frontline supervisor development transforms safety culture](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020250425.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020250425.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-supervisor-development-must-matter-to-safety) Even the best safety programs can fall short of their potential when frontline supervisors lack proper development. Discover how strategic investment in supervisor leadership skills creates a foundation for exceptional safety performance, increased employee engagement, and a thriving safety culture that extends beyond compliance. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/why-supervisor-development-must-matter-to-safety) ## [The Power of Confident Supervisors in Safety Management](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-power-of-confident-supervisors-in-safety-management) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on February 28, 2025 [![Confident supervisors drive better safety outcomes.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020250228.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020250228.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-power-of-confident-supervisors-in-safety-management) Supervisor confidence can transform safety performance in industrial settings. Learn why confident frontline leaders are your most powerful asset in creating a strong safety culture. Learn practical strategies for developing the leadership skills your supervisors need to drive safety. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-power-of-confident-supervisors-in-safety-management) ## [The Supervisor Effect: Unlocking Safety Culture Through Leadership](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisor-effect-unlocking-safety-culture-through-leadership) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on January 17, 2025 [![supervisor development can improve your safety culture](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020250117.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020250117.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisor-effect-unlocking-safety-culture-through-leadership) Ever feel like your safety program is stuck in a loop? Most companies pour resources into training everyone, hoping to create a safety-minded workforce. But despite the endless meetings, constant reminders, and substantial investment, genuine buy-in remains elusive. What if the solution isn't about reaching more people, but focusing on the right ones? Research reveals a surprising truth about how change really happens in organizations, and it starts with your supervisors. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisor-effect-unlocking-safety-culture-through-leadership) [All posts](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-leadership/page/2) ### Subscribe to Kevin's Blog Get insights and strategies to build the leadership skills employees want their supervisors to have! Subscribe now. --- Kevin Burns' newest book, **The CareFull Supervisor**. This is the book that every frontline supervisor should read.   ![carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1.png?width=253&height=253&name=carefull-supervisor-3d-covers-400-1.png)   **BUY NOW:** [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/CareFull-Supervisor-Tools-Succeed-Employees/dp/1039197256)| [B&N](https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carefull-supervisor-kevin-burns/1144577942) | [Indigo](https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/the-carefull-supervisor-the-tools-to-succeed-and-be-the-supervisor-employees-want-to-have/9781039197268.html)| [FreisenPress](https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000383321344)| [Kobo](https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/the-carefull-supervisor)| Audible --- ### Recent Posts - [About](https://www.kevburns.com/about-kevin-burns) - [Supervisor Academy](https://www.kevburns.com/supervisors) - [Blog](https://www.kevburns.com/blog) #### © 2026 PeopleWork Align Inc. 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