Homer was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history. But it is one of his very brief statements that most safety professionals can…...
Safety professionals can learn from Homer Read More »
Some consultants want to help you make your employees FEEL safe… #phsychologicalsafety I want your employees to feel what it means to actually be safe by the ABSENCE of FEELING PAIN from an injury/illness. Safety is FUNDAMENTALS, not a feeling or a mental state one has. I know many people who FELT like…...
Some consultants want to help you make your employees FEEL safe Read More »
What are your thoughts on this approach? Why an overly detailed safety plan can be a liability A massive rulebook that most workers won’t read can leave a contractor vulnerable to fines and lawsuits, according to panelists at AGC’s safety conference. https://www.constructiondive.com/news/agc-panel-an-overly-detailed-safety-plan-can-be-a-liability/640854/ It seems we are on a merry-go-round of safety these days! I…...
Why an overly detailed safety plan can be a liability Read More »
As I have been writing about fundamental safety practices and how they play a critical role in OSH and Process Safety in the workplace, my views get pounded by the HOP and Psychological safety gurus. As I have said countless times, HOP and Psychological Safety have roles in a world-class safety management system; however, they…...
Another “old safety dog” position vs. the new-age position Read More »
This is a safety discussion that needs to happen in a lot of workplaces! This ref’s delivery and leadership to regain control of a game that was getting out of hand was SPOT ON! Everything necessary in life (rules, respect, and safety as a value) is ALL about the VALUES our leadership…...
Safety as a VALUE rather than a priority Read More »
For the record, if you are new to the SAFTENG family, I despise the mantras “Safety is #1”, “Safety is our top priority”, etc. It is a nice thing to say, and most of us know it is said often; but what does it mean? My favorite example of how these mantras cause confusion, which…...
What does it mean when management says “Safety is #1” Read More »
It took me several years to realize that a traditional OSH program is NOT a “safety management system.” Like many workplaces, I always had a collection of written occupational safety and health programs placed into binders strategically located throughout the facility. Then, I had a separate PSM (and eventually an RMP) program that was a…...
How PSM/RMP can be the SMS for OSH programs Read More »
The Campbell Institute, the National Safety Council center of excellence for environmental, health, and safety management is the leading authority on safety best practices. Members of the Campbell Institute Research & Knowledge subcommittee conducted a comparative analysis of ten award-winning organizations to identify best practices that are common within recognized world-class safety processes. One overarching…...
5 Characteristics of a World-Class Safety Management System (SMS) Read More »
In the FAA NPRM posting on 1/11/23, we get a glimpse into the agency’s simplified approach to airlines managing safety with a Safety Management System (SMS). The FAA’s Safety Management System (SMS) is composed of four (4) major components: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion The FAA offers some excellent explanations…...
The FAA’s approach to managing safety with an SMS Read More »
There is one trait that we will all see and feel when were are in a facility that has figured out world-class safety; that is, they have figured out that a well-managed safety management system will not produce the desired results if the facility’s culture does not support it. As I have said, world-class safety…...
Safety is like wearing “idiot mittens” Read More »
In 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required commercial airliners to develop a comprehensive SMS to improve safety for the flying public. Although the FAA has not required other revenue passenger-carrying operators to have one. These “other revenue passenger-carrying operators” include the cubs in AK that move hunters and fishermen around AK, the helicopter tours…...
Maybe I’m just old school, but is it just too much to ask for: a well written safety procedure, one that is written and analyzed with a safety pro and the worker(s) who do the actual work, that management will fully support the procedures everyday-everytime, including on holidays that fall on a Sunday, and employees…...
