Safety Coaching: Empowering Teams for a Secure Future by Fabian Buckley

In today's rapidly changing world, workplace safety has become a high priority for organisations across industries. To effectively address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of employees, many forethinking companies have turned to safety coaching.

This proactive approach not only promotes a secure work environment but also empowers teams to take ownership of their own safety. We will explore the concept of safety coaching, its benefits, and how it can contribute to a better and more secure future for businesses and their employees.

I have seen the change firsthand while working for Linde Engineering on a project in India.

What is Safety Coaching?

Safety coaching is a collaborative process that involves providing guidance to individuals or teams to help them develop and maintain safe practices within the workplace. It goes beyond traditional safety training by focusing on continuous improvement and empowering employees to become safety advocates.

We learn to ask not tell, a famous video on YouTube by Sir John Whitmore explains it perfectly. https://youtu.be/Ncb1jjRZyNU

The Role of Safety Coaches:

Safety coaches play a vital role in fostering a culture of safety within an organization.

Ask the coachee powerful questions and make them self-aware so they figure out the solution without being told it.

They are also responsible for:

Communication and Engagement: Safety coaches facilitate open communication channels, encouraging employees to report safety concerns, near misses, or accidents. They actively listen, address issues promptly, and involve employees in decision-making processes related to safety.

They never judge the person and have an open mind when listening to the person with the intention of assisting them to overcome any challenges they may have.

Benefits of Safety Coaching: Implementing safety coaching in an organisation offers several advantages:

a. Enhanced Safety Culture: Safety coaching promotes a proactive and positive safety culture, where employees feel empowered to actively participate in safety initiatives.

b. Reduced Accidents and Incidents: By equipping employees with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate their own risks, safety coaching significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and near misses.

c. Increased Employee Engagement: When employees feel free to engage with a safety coach or leader, they become more engaged, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity levels.

d. Improved Compliance: Safety coaches ensure that employees are actively involved and understand what they themselves agree to do and ensure they check in on them to follow up on their actions.

Implementing Safety Coaching:

To successfully implement safety coaching in your organization, consider the following steps:

a. Leadership Support: Gain leadership buy-in and support to ensure commitment to safety initiatives and request for them to drive this initiative.

b. Appoint and Train Safety Coaches: Identify individuals who are passionate about safety and provide them with comprehensive training to become effective safety Coaches. It is also highly advisable to include leadership in these workshop sessions.

c. Establish Clear Communication Channels: Create a platform for employees to report safety concerns, suggestions, and incidents anonymously if necessary.

Provide them with an environment where they feel safe to speak out on any safety-related matter.

d. Measure and Track Progress: Set measurable goals, regularly evaluate the safety coaching performance, and celebrate joint achievements to keep the momentum going.

Safety coaching is a powerful tool for organisations striving to create a safe and secure work environment. By investing in safety coaching, businesses not only protect their most valuable asset their employees but also enhance productivity, foster a positive safety culture, and reduce costs associated with accidents and injuries.

Embrace safety coaching today and pave the way for a brighter and more secure future for your organisation.

Let safety be the foundation on which your team thrives, and together, you all can build a safer tomorrow.

Are you ready to prioritize safety and empower your teams?

Safety coaching is the way of the now and the future!?