Your team is not following updated emergency protocols. How do you get them to take safety seriously?

To ensure your team takes safety seriously, lead by example and demonstrate a strong commitment to following updated emergency protocols yourself. Clearly communicate the importance of these protocols by sharing the potential consequences of non-compliance, and provide regular training to reinforce proper procedures. Hold the team accountable through regular checks and empower them to take ownership of safety by encouraging open communication and recognizing those who consistently follow protocols. If non-compliance persists, address it firmly and immediately, making it clear that safety is a top priority.

Hold a meeting to explain why the updated safety protocols are important and how they protect everyone. Share real-life examples of what can go wrong if the rules aren't followed. Make it clear that everyone has a role in keeping the team safe, and let them know there will be regular checks to ensure the protocols are being followed. Lead by example.

Start by clearly communicating the importance of the revised protocols and how they protect everyone’s well-being. Conduct a mandatory training session to demonstrate the changes and address any questions or concerns. Emphasize that adherence to these protocols is not optional but a critical part of their roles. Regularly review and practice emergency procedures through drills to reinforce their significance. Additionally, establish a system for tracking compliance and provide feedback to encourage continuous improvement and ensure that safety remains a top priority.

One chance to make the necessary adjustments to new protocols and after that if I'm not satisfied then perhaps it is time for replacements. I'm old school.

Start by clearly explaining the training context and share a real-life example to highlight its importance. Describe the drill in detail, outlining each team member’s role, why their tasks matter, and how they affect others. Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities by having them repeat the instructions. Conduct one iteration of the drill, then review the outcomes—discuss what went well, what didn’t, and areas for improvement. Repeat the drill with adjusted roles and increasingly complex scenarios. Rinse and repeat regularly to ensure everyone is prepared and knows what to do. Encourage positive behavior and foster a mindset of continuous improvement.

This part could also be called "paint in bright colors". If the staff does not take the emergency protocol serious (but you are sure that it is), run a drill and be very open about the results. A protocol should be a best practice in the ultimate sense. If parts don't work, ask the responsible people, why not. Protocol not practical or even not feasible -> change. Protocol just ignored -> show the consequences from the drill and extrapolate into real life. They should be dire enough, if this is indeed an emergency protocol.