Creating a Culture of Safety: How Des Moines Businesses Can Prioritize Employee Well-Being

A workplace should feel like more than a job. It should feel secure. Employees do their best work when they know their well-being matters, and businesses that take safety seriously see fewer accidents, stronger morale and greater success.

In Greater Des Moines (DSM), where businesses power local economies and communities thrive on collaboration, safety is a responsibility. It’s not just protocol. It’s purpose. It’s a commitment to making sure people get home in the same condition they arrive in, if not better.

Workplace safety is about prevention, preparation and a culture where people protect each other. The best businesses do more than simply react when something goes wrong. They build systems that stop accidents before they happen, train employees to handle emergencies and communicate risks clearly.

Emergency Preparedness Saves Lives

An emergency can unfold in the time it takes to blink. A normal day at work can turn into a life-threatening situation, and hesitation can cost valuable seconds. DSM business owners that prepare for these moments give their employees the power to act fast — whether it’s a cardiac arrest, a workplace injury or a natural disaster.

Sudden cardiac arrest does not give warnings, and it does not wait for first responders. That’s why having an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) on-site is non-negotiable. Using an AED within the first few minutes can double or even triple survival chances. But an AED alone is not enough. Employees need to know where it is, how to use it and when to act. A well-trained team turns a bystander into a lifesaver.

However, emergency preparedness is more than heart attacks and defibrillators. Every business faces different risks. The ones that stay ready hold regular drills, stock well-maintained first-aid kits and make sure every employee knows exactly what to do when something goes wrong. Safety plans should be practiced, updated and ingrained in workplace routines.

Hazard Communication Best Practices

Clear signs, color-coded labels and straightforward instructions save lives. A workplace that doesn’t communicate what is and is not safe is operating on borrowed time. The most effective hazard communication and safety policies make information impossible to miss.

Hazards change. A new machine, a different chemical or a shift in procedures may introduce new risks that need clear communication. A workplace that prioritizes safety regularly updates policies, retrains employees and makes sure the right precautions are in place before problems arise.

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines offers workplace safety training for all staff, while Drake University participates in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) programs to ensure employee safety. These are just a couple examples of Des Moines businesses stepping up to protect and empower their employees. Workers who understand risks make faster, smarter and safer decisions. This prevents injuries before they happen.

Building a Safety-Focused Culture — And Why It Matters

Success starts with a workplace where safety is a priority. Companies that invest in safety reduce absenteeism, lower turnover and build a team that feels valued and supported. Employees stay longer when they trust that leadership cares about their well-being. Customers and clients respect businesses that put people first.

Workplace safety is a long-term mindset. The businesses that commit to prevention, emergency readiness and clear communication are the ones that set the standard. But those at the top must lead the charge. A successful DSM insurance company, EMC knows the importance of strong workplace safety programs and often offers insight into various safety-related topics, including overhauling your safety program and building a culture of safety at your workplace.

West Des Moines-based startup, MakuSafe, came to be when the startup’s owner, Gabriel Glynn, wanted to find a way to reduce workplace accidents through wearable tech. You can listen to his startup story here.

Leadership Defines Workplace Safety

A business’ approach to safety reflects its leadership. Leadership sets the tone, and employees follow suit. A workplace where safety is an afterthought creates hesitation and uncertainty when risks arise, but putting safety first creates confidence and accountability.

The best leaders make safety a visible priority. They encourage employees to report hazards, listen to concerns and act quickly when problems arise. An employee should never worry about speaking up when they see a risk. Businesses that respond to safety concerns quickly create workplaces where everyone plays a role in preventing accidents.

Fixing problems at the root makes all the difference. A machine that malfunctions should be repaired, not ignored. A high-risk area should be redesigned, not just marked with a warning sign. Addressing safety issues with long-term solutions ensures a workplace stays productive without unnecessary risks.

HR’s Expanding Role in Workplace Safety

Workplace safety extends beyond physical hazards. Human resources teams help align policies with employee well-being — whether in an office, a warehouse or a remote setting.

For hybrid and remote employees, safety sometimes looks different. Businesses that provide ergonomic equipment, mental health support and clear work-life boundaries create healthier work environments. Injury prevention is about more than maintaining worksites — it’s about people.

HR also ensures that safety training is a continuous process. Routine training sessions help embed safety into workplace culture, ensuring employees feel secure, supported and ready to perform at their best.

A strong safety culture protects employees and strengthens businesses. Companies in DSM that invest in emergency preparedness, hazard communication and leadership-driven safety programs create environments where people thrive.

Workplace safety is a long-term commitment that reduces risk, builds trust and makes businesses stronger. The companies that prioritize it today will see the benefits for years to come.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrates the Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur community and helps small businesses succeed with one-of-a-kind resources and opportunities for networking. Find out how other entrepreneurs have found success by reading their stories and attending local small business events in the region.