Martin and I are past colleagues, often we would chat and reflect on how to improve the safety profession. I was every excited to hear Martin’s views on safety moments and tips and how to bring the workforce in as part of the discussion.
What is your name?
Martin O'Neill
What industry do you work in?
Construction materials
What country do you reside in ( this is also the country that your responses will be based on)?
Australia
Whats your "cuppa" - mine is a cold brew coffee*
Tea - White no sugar
Is the ritual of safety moment at the start of every meeting impactful, engaging, behavioural changing? Yes or No?
No
How are safety tips delivered in the corporate environment?
Usually at the start of meetings
How are safety tips delivered in an operational environment?
In the operational environment we use toolbox talks. Although we are experimenting with frontline team members discuss how to safe, reliably and efficiently can a given task
Have you heard a safety tip that made you cringe? What was it, and why did you cringe? *
Yes, you are responsible for your own safety. I believe it is a way to transfer responsibility to the frontline team members
Your personal view. Is it time to ditch safety moments in the corporte setting?
Yes
Your top three tips for delivering an impactful and engaging safety moment/tip.
1. Discuss operational tasks - rather than just safety. That is, move beyond safety moments.
2. Contextualise the discussion to the audience. For example, if you use an external reference such as Piper Alpha, be clear about the message you want me to leave the meeting with.
3. Use people doing the task as discussion leaders or people to provide operational input.