--- title: Kevin Burns Blog | safety leadership (2) description: safety leadership | Tools and strategies to build supervisor leadership, clarify the safety message, and get employee buy-in. (2) --- Kevin Burns Blog | safety leadership (2) [![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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[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 ## [Safety Stuck? Your Supervisors Hold the Key](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-stuck-your-supervisors-hold-the-key) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on November 22, 2024 [![supervisor leadership skills are key to building a sustainable safety culture](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%2020241122.jpg?width=900&name=Blog%2020241122.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-stuck-your-supervisors-hold-the-key) Every industrial organization strives to achieve safety excellence. However, many companies find themselves stuck at a performance plateau despite having solid safety programs in place. This article explores why developing frontline supervisor leadership skills is crucial for breaking through these plateaus and creating a sustainable safety culture that protects every worker. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-stuck-your-supervisors-hold-the-key) ## [The Supervisor's Role in Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisors-role-in-safety) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on October 20, 2021 [![The Supervisor's Role in Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in008.png?width=900&name=Buy-in008.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisors-role-in-safety) There's a fundamental shift that occurs the moment a front-facing employee becomes the crew's supervisor. And the quicker you understand the shift, the faster you will get the buy-in of your team. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/the-supervisors-role-in-safety) ## [When you have buy-in will you even need safety speakers?](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/when-you-have-buy-in-will-you-even-need-safety-speakers) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on October 6, 2021 [![When you have buy-in will you even need safety speakers?](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in007.png?width=900&name=Buy-in007.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/when-you-have-buy-in-will-you-even-need-safety-speakers) Safety buy-in happens when you engage your people, simplify the communications, figure out the prime objective, and get supervisors on board. When you have safety buy-in, do you think you will need safety speakers anymore? [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/when-you-have-buy-in-will-you-even-need-safety-speakers) ## [People buy-in to this before they buy-in to safety.](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/people-buy-in-to-this-before-they-buy-in-to-safety) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on August 25, 2021 [![People buy-in to this before they buy-in to safety.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in005.png?width=900&name=Buy-in005.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/people-buy-in-to-this-before-they-buy-in-to-safety) When selling your team on the benefits of safety, you must remember this one key element that is more likely to create buy-in than any compelling argument you may have for safety. Watch the video. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/people-buy-in-to-this-before-they-buy-in-to-safety) ## [Is "safety" a barrier to safety buy-in?](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/is-safety-a-barrier-to-safety-buy-in) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on August 19, 2021 [![is the word ](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in004.png?width=900&name=Buy-in004.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/is-safety-a-barrier-to-safety-buy-in) What happens when the word "safety" becomes a barrier to safety buy-in? It is happening with increasing frequency in all sectors and industries. And it's probably happening in your company too. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/is-safety-a-barrier-to-safety-buy-in) ## [Negative reinforcement doesn't work. Positive reinforcement builds buy-in.](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-builds-buy-in) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on August 11, 2021 [![Negative reinforcement doesn't work. Positive reinforcement builds buy-in.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in003.png?width=900&name=Buy-in003.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-builds-buy-in) No other department in your organization is focused on negative reinforcement to try to improve performance. How did this happen in safety and why has it lasted so long? [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/positive-reinforcement-builds-buy-in) ## [You need engagement to get safety buy-in.](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/you-need-engagement-to-get-safety-buy-in) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on August 4, 2021 [![You need engagement to get safety buy-in.](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in002.png?width=900&name=Buy-in002.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/you-need-engagement-to-get-safety-buy-in) If you've been frustrated by failed attempts to get buy-in to safety (something more than just basic minimum compliance), you are going to have to look at your engagement levels first. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/you-need-engagement-to-get-safety-buy-in) ## [Complacency is not the problem.](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/complacency-is-not-the-problem) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on July 21, 2021 [![safety complacency is not the problem](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Buy-in001.png?width=900&name=Buy-in001.png)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/complacency-is-not-the-problem) Welcome to a new series of Safety Buy-in videos to help you clarify your safety message, build supervisor support, and get employee buy-in. This week we focus on complacency and adopting a mindset that complacency is a result you get when you don’t engage your people in a meaningful way. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/complacency-is-not-the-problem) ## [Safety Buy-in Starts With A Single Thought](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-buy-in-starts-with-a-single-thought) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on June 8, 2021 [![Safety Buy-in Starts With A Single Thought](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/focus.jpg?width=900&name=focus.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-buy-in-starts-with-a-single-thought) Business development is the focus of most companies. Getting more customers, making more sales, upselling existing clients. Companies hone and adjust their marketing messages to attract more revenues. When more clients buy from us, there is cause for celebration. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/safety-buy-in-starts-with-a-single-thought) ## [Care vs Compliance: Making Them Care About Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/care-vs-compliance-making-them-care-about-safety) Posted by [Kevin Burns](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/author/kevin-burns) on May 19, 2021 [![Care vs Compliance: Making Them Care About Safety](https://www.kevburns.com/hs-fs/hubfs/caring.jpg?width=900&name=caring.jpg)](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/care-vs-compliance-making-them-care-about-safety) Everybody cares about something. And they do care about it … in their own way. The challenge in getting your people to care about safety lies largely with how they understand and interpret the word safety. [Read More](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/care-vs-compliance-making-them-care-about-safety) [Previous](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-leadership/page/1) [All posts](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.kevburns.com/blog/topic/safety-leadership/page/3) ### 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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