The Role of a Leader in Shaping the Safety Culture of an Organization

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to analyse the role of a leader in shaping the safety culture of an organization. The article identifies key leadership competencies that influence safety and presents effective strategies for building safety awareness among employees. The article also focuses on the importance of proactive leadership in risk management and implementing effective safety practices. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on a literature review concerning safety management, an analysis of leadership theories, and case studies of organizations effectively implementing a safety culture. The article addresses issues related to leadership competencies, methods for building awareness of hazards, and the impact of leaders' attitudes on employee engagement in safety activities. The research problem is formulated as follows: How does a leader influence the shaping of a safety culture in an organization, and what leadership competencies are crucial for effective safety management? Corresponding to the research problem, a research hypothesis is posed, which assumes that an effective leader, possessing developed competencies in communication, engagement building, and risk management, significantly contributes to shaping a strong safety culture in the organization by promoting hazard awareness, implementing effective procedures, and engaging employees in preventive actions. Findings: The analysis indicates that the role of a leader is crucial in shaping an organization's safety culture. Leaders who promote transparency, open communication, and engage employees in safety-related processes contribute to reducing operational risk and increasing awareness of hazards. Key competencies, such as building trust, making decisions under uncertainty, and effective communication, significantly impact the effectiveness of implemented safety strategies. The main challenges include employee resistance to change, lack of consistency in enforcing rules, and insufficient support from top management. Practical implications: The study results provide practical recommendations for leaders seeking to build a strong safety culture within their organization. Key actions include implementing training programs, actively promoting safety values, and utilizing modern technologies to support risk management processes. The article also emphasizes the need for further research into the impact of different leadership styles on the effectiveness of safety-related actions and the role of innovative tools in enhancing employee awareness. Originality/Value: The article provides value through a comprehensive analysis of the leader's role in shaping the organization's safety culture. It emphasizes the importance of leadership competencies, such as communication, engagement building, and risk management, as key factors influencing safety. The innovative approach involves combining leadership theory with practical case studies, allowing for the development of effective safety management strategies. The article constitutes a valuable contribution for practitioners and researchers involved in organizational safety topics.