Building a Foundation of Safety: Insights from Michael Highum

Listen to today's episode at scalinguph2o.com/358 or tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

In the realm of industrial water treatment, safety isn't just a regulatory requirement—it's a cornerstone of organizational success. As professionals in the field, we understand that prioritizing safety isn't just about compliance; it's about fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, protected, and empowered. But how do we cultivate such a culture within our organizations? Enter Michael Highum, a seasoned expert in risk management and safety practices. With over two decades of experience serving clients across various industries, Michael is a beacon of insight when it comes to elevating safety from a mere obligation to a core value. In a recent discussion on the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast , Michael shared invaluable wisdom on how leaders can lead by example, secure executive buy-in, and drive continual improvement in safety strategies and practices. Let's jump into Michael's top three points and glean actionable strategies for enhancing safety within our organizations:

Lead by Example: As Michael aptly puts it, "Talk about the WHY - it’s about truly developing a team where you care about each other." Effective safety leadership starts at the top, with leaders demonstrating a genuine commitment to protecting their team members. By actively promoting safety protocols and embracing protective measures, leaders set a precedent that resonates throughout the organization.

Executive-Level Buy-In: Michael emphasizes the critical role of executive buy-in in establishing a strong safety culture. "A zero-accident culture really should be an organization's strategy," he asserts. For safety initiatives to thrive, they must be integrated into the organization's strategic planning process, with ownership and management prioritizing safety as a non-negotiable aspect of operations.

Continual Improvement: In the pursuit of safety excellence, continual improvement is key. Michael underscores the importance of soliciting feedback from employees and leveraging their insights to identify areas for enhancement. "There's no better source of information about what is really going on than the employee themselves," he notes. By fostering a culture of open communication and continuous learning, organizations can adapt and evolve their safety practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Michael's insights are not just theoretical—they're grounded in real-world experiences and tangible results. As he aptly puts it, "A solid safety culture is a business builder and definitely not a distraction." By prioritizing safety, organizations can not only protect their employees and assets but also cultivate stronger relationships with customers and propel sustainable growth.

So, how can we implement Michael's wisdom in our own organizations? It starts with a commitment to leading by example, securing executive buy-in, and fostering a culture of continual improvement. By integrating safety into every aspect of our operations, we can create safer, more resilient workplaces for ourselves and future generations.

To scale up your safety knowledge, hear Michael Highum's insights, and discover actionable strategies for enhancing safety practices within your organization, listen to the full episode of Scaling UP! H2O at ScalingUpH2O.com/358 or search for Scaling UP! H2O on your favorite podcast player. Let's embark on this journey towards safety excellence together! #ScalingUpH2O #Podcast #WaterTreaters #WaterTreatment #SafetyCulture #RiskManagement #ContinuousImprovement #LeadershipInSafety #WaterProfessionals #McGowanInsuranceGroup #WhereWaterWorks #hohMeansWater