The Illusive Hidden Safety Culture

The million dollar question...how will you change our illusive safety culture? During my quest in connecting with a reputable organization one common question from top management during interviews was how will I change the present safety culture. The first time I answered was verbatim textbook steps based on the common principles of "Safety Culture". 1- Commitment from senior management 2- Engagement/participation from senior management 3- Accountability from all levels 4- Safety policy, goals, objectives, standards, and performance 5-Resource commitment 6-Assesments/reporting/evaluating etc. Then I asked myself...how the hell can I begin to create or change an existing culture?!?! After extensive research and hyper focused meditation I realized YOU CANNOT!!!!!!!! A safety culture is a byproduct of how one perceives their own safety, their own life, the lives of their family and friends. It starts with ME and my EMOTIONAL SAFETY INTELLIGENCE. Injecting in hearts of willing individuals the importance from both positve and negative principles, only then can we make an impact. So how can we do that??? Education, training, coaching, getting personal by taking interest and most important....OUR SAFETY LEADERSHIP SERVES AS AN EXAMPLE IN AND OUT OF WORK. HSE Professionals must walk and talk safety. Only then can we begin to galvanize in the hearts of others the dynamics of a true safety culture. Do not give up....exposing the illusive safety culture is challenging!! Embrace the challenge and we will make a difference. - Manuel Maldonado