Beyond Blaming Human Behavior

In the world of safety management, it's common to attribute accidents solely to human behavior. However, this perspective overlooks the broader picture and fails to address the underlying systemic issues. If you find yourself nodding to statements like "Human behavior is the main cause of accidents" or "Human is not reliable," it's time to reassess our approach to safety.

Rather than focusing solely on controlling human behavior, I propose a paradigm shift towards proactive safety measures. It's imperative to develop a comprehensive understanding of safety fundamentals, rooted in the 9 pillars of EHS governance success, which offers a holistic framework for enhancing safety protocols:

1. Establish and manage the overall HSE strategic direction: Setting a clear direction ensures alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
2. Set clear goals: Defined objectives provide a roadmap for achieving safety targets and milestones.
3. Maintain dashboards and inform management of overall performance: Regular performance monitoring enables timely interventions and adjustments.
4. Define standards, guidelines, and procedures: Standardized protocols ensure consistency and clarity in safety practices.
5. Train/coach teams: Investing in employee training cultivates a culture of safety awareness and competence.
6. Supervise and carry out audits, inspections, and controls: Regular audits and inspections identify potential hazards and areas for improvement.
7. Participate in the analysis of severe events: Learning from past incidents is crucial for preventing future occurrences and mitigating risks.
8. Enforce legal obligations and regulations: Compliance with regulations safeguards both employees and the organization from legal repercussions.
9. Participate in bonus, sanctions, and recognition policies/Just & Fair policy: Incentivizing safety practices foster employee engagement and commitment.

Complementing these pillars are the 5 key elements to sustain a safety culture:

• Leadership: Strong leadership sets the tone for safety priorities and fosters a culture of accountability.
• Plan: Strategic planning lays the groundwork for systematic safety initiatives and interventions.
• Implementation: Effective execution of safety protocols translates plans into action, ensuring tangible results.
• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement allows for ongoing refinement and optimization of safety practices.
• Monitoring Results: Regular monitoring and evaluation of safety initiatives provide insights into effectiveness and areas for enhancement.

By adopting these principles, facility managers can transcend the limitations of blaming human behavior and cultivate a proactive safety culture. It's time to shift our focus from controlling humans to empowering them with the tools and knowledge to ensure a safer work environment for all. Let's embark on this journey together towards a future where safety is not just a priority but a way of life.