We often hear it: “We have a world-class safety management system.” They are proud of what they have. They have worked hard to get where they are. But most of the time, they do NOT have a safety management system (SMS). What they have is a safety “compliance manual.” A binder that holds dozens of…...
Do you have a safety management system? Read More »
Since this week is OSHA log posting week, I thought it was fitting to remind everyone… When safety is measured solely by lagging indicators, we put good men and women in situations where they are faced with making bad decisions. Setting a numerical end goal without providing a playbook, skills, resources, and tools…...
Safety Thought for the Week… Injury rates are not an indicator of safety presence Read More »
It does not matter how good a facility is in safety; I can assure everyone that within that facility, there are “routine violations.” Even in facilities with a very mature culture where safety has become a value (rather than a priority), we can find “routine violations.” So don’t be surprised or saddened that you discover…...
James Reason on Routine Violations Read More »
One of the MUST-read books for accident investigators and safety professionals trying to understand the acts/behaviors of workers (and management) is James Reason’s Human Error. In chapter 7, Dr. Reason makes a very profound statement regarding the significant role “latent organizational failures” play in the vast majority of accidents… “In the past, reliability analyses and…...
James Reason on Latent Organizational Failures in accident causation models Read More »
SMBWA is an unstructured hands-on approach in which managers directly participate in their subordinates’ work-related activities. In contrast to rigid and remote management approaches, SMBWA drives managers to spend a significant amount of time informally visiting work areas and interacting with employees. The practice is unscheduled, casual, and friendly. As managers walk around they can…...
What is Safety Management By Walking Around (SMBWA)? Read More »
Listening is a function of Caring. Hearing is not Listening! Depending on your leadership style, this may be a growth opportunity for you. It’s a leadership characteristic we can all continuously improve upon! Hint- If you continue to hear the same message over and over…you might not be listening… or at least the people sharing…...
Active Listening is Respectful Read More »
I was posed this question recently by an organization that is on a steep growth curve. The leadership team is working like crazy just to keep everything afloat… and they are on a quest to be “the best.” My response was simply that your choice of BOD committees demonstrates what’s important to the leadership of…...
As we wrap up this year and prepare for 2023, hopefully, you started your health, safety, environmental, and sustainability planning process at least a month or two ago. If you didn’t, don’t panic…. Focus! Just because you are late to the game doesn’t mean you have to plan for less. Focus on incorporating multiple dimensions,…...
Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats Strategy for breakfast.” So, does that mean focusing on culture and working on strategy later? In a conversation with a CEO friend whose organization is struggling with lackluster EHS&S performance, the question of which is the cause and which to focus on was the problem statement. I countered with…...
Culture eats Strategy for breakfast Read More »
Leaders… Don’t confuse your lack of injuries or environmental events with good EHS performance. DMAIC…Dig into what work drives your performance, measure it, understand trends, and chart a path to continuously improve, monitor, and respond… simple but effective! Who are you holding accountable for EHS performance?… Membership Required You must be a member to access...
Are you Good or Lucky? Read More »
A friend in a new role asked me to engage in a recent discussion with his leadership team regarding goals and objectives. Next to leadership discussions, this is one of my favorite topics! The conversation prompted a reflection on how well they performed in prior years. They were quick to cite the decrease of NOV’s,…...
Understanding how you achieved it is MORE important than the actual achievement Read More »
This study explored the pre-post effects of Safety Management by Walking Around (SMBWA) intervention. They also hypothesized that SMBWA would improve the organization-level safety climate because an enhanced safety climate may act as a form of organizational resource to buttress motivation and alleviate burnout. Not surprisingly, results indicated: (Study link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106062)… Membership Required You...
Safety Management By Walking Around (SMBWA) Read More »
