In a recent episode of the SureWorx Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Andrew “Baz” Barrett, founder of Safety on Tap and a visionary in the field of construction safety. Andrew shared invaluable insights on transforming safety culture in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a shift from reactive to responsive safety practices. Let’s dive deeper into the four key takeaways from our conversation with Andrew.
1. BE RELEVANT, BE VALUED
Safety initiatives often struggle to gain traction because they’re seen as separate from core business operations. Andrew emphasizes the critical importance of aligning safety measures with organizational goals. This means looking beyond traditional safety metrics and considering how each initiative impacts:
- Operational efficiency
- Productivity
- Stakeholder value
- Bottom-line results
By demonstrating the direct relevance of safety practices to business outcomes, safety professionals can increase buy-in at all levels of the organization. For example, instead of simply reporting on the number of incidents, showcase how improved safety practices have led to increased productivity or reduced downtime.
Actionable Tip: Before implementing a new safety initiative, map out its potential impacts on various aspects of the business. Present this holistic view to stakeholders to garner support and resources.
2. NOT EVERYTHING IS A NAIL
Andrew introduces us to the concept of “Maslow’s Hammer” in safety practices. This principle, derived from psychologist Abraham Maslow’s observation that “if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail,” cautions against one-size-fits-all solutions in safety management.
In the context of construction safety, this might manifest as:
- Over-reliance on personal protective equipment (PPE) without addressing root causes
- Applying the same safety protocols across vastly different job sites or tasks
- Collecting vast amounts of data without a clear purpose or analysis plan
Instead, Andrew advocates for a more nuanced, context-specific approach to safety challenges. This involves:
- Tailoring safety strategies to the unique risks of each project or site
- Gathering targeted data that answers specific questions about your safety challenges
- Embracing a variety of tools and methodologies, rather than relying on a single approach
Actionable Tip: Regularly audit your safety practices. Are you defaulting to the same solutions for different problems? Challenge your team to think creatively about safety challenges, considering the unique context of each situation.
3. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER
When it comes to transforming safety culture, Andrew suggests a focus on changing specific behaviours rather than abstract concepts. This practical approach leads to more tangible and sustainable improvements in safety practices.
Here’s how to put this into action:
- Identify key behaviours that embody your desired safety culture
- Develop clear, actionable guidelines for these behaviours
- Implement consistent practice and feedback mechanisms
- Recognize and reward positive safety behaviours
For example, instead of a vague goal like “improve communication,” focus on specific actions such as “conduct daily five-minute safety briefings at the start of each shift.”
Actionable Tip: Create a behaviour-based safety checklist for your team. Include observable actions that contribute to a positive safety culture, and use this as a tool for regular feedback and improvement.
4. DEFINE TO ALIGN
Clear communication is crucial in safety practices, yet it’s often overlooked. Andrew stresses the importance of investing time in clarifying key terms within your organization’s context.
Words like “risk,” “compliance,” or “safety” can mean different things to different people. This misalignment can lead to:
- Miscommunication
- Ineffective implementation of safety measures
- Inconsistent safety practices across teams or projects
To address this, consider:
- Creating a company-specific safety glossary
- Incorporating terminology discussions into safety training
- Regularly revisiting and updating definitions as needed
Actionable Tip: Conduct a “safety language audit” in your organization. Survey team members on their understanding of key safety terms, and use the results to guide alignment efforts.
Conclusion
Andrew Barrett’s insights offer a fresh perspective on safety management in construction, emphasizing the need for relevance, context-specific solutions, behaviour-focused change, and clear communication. By implementing these strategies, construction companies can create a more responsive, effective safety culture that not only protects workers but also contributes to overall business success.
At SureWorx, we’re committed to supporting your journey towards a more innovative, responsive safety culture. Our platform is designed to help you implement these insights, from data collection and analysis to behaviour tracking and communication alignment.
Ready to revolutionize your approach to safety? Contact SureWorx today to learn how our platform can help you put these insights into action and create a safer, more productive construction environment.