SAFETY and INNOVATION: Support It or Shut It Down?

I recently came across a short video of Matt Damon, on a talk show, relating a conversation he had with Tom Cruise. The conversation centered around a skyscraper stunt (Burj Khalifa building, Dubai, UAE) from the Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol movie. Short version: Cruise went to the production safety person and described his vision of what the stunt would look like, and the safety person said, “You can’t do that! That’s too dangerous!” Tom Cruise got “…another safety guy.”

(Full 52-second video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NK_DTQUU5Kk).

After watching the video, two things struck me:

1. This is a funny story and it made me laugh.
2. Who is the bad guy here? Tom Cruise or the safety guy?

In the absence of detail to Tom’s conversation with the safety person, we do not want to pass any judgement here. That said, why would anyone terminate a safety person if they are working in good faith toward a common goal? Tom is making lots of movies and lots of money, he does not want to be seriously injured but he does want to be innovative.

Without innovation, nothing improves!

Employers also want to be innovative; products, services, and methods need to evolve or risk becoming obsolete. Of course, innovation without causing harm or loss. Everyday employers may not be as glamorous as a Hollywood blockbuster movie but the dynamic between production and safety personnel must be collaborative to support innovation. The video reminded me of a compliment I received from a coworker who happened to be an engineer and project manager: “You never say no. You always say, let’s look at it.” In no way am I suggesting safety personnel should sign off on every new idea in the name of innovation. We still must ensure the safety of our employees, even as we advance in technology and technique. (Tom Cruise blockbuster movies, worth multiple millions of dollars, do not get completed if Tom is seriously injured or dead.)

5 Reasons why Safety Personnel side with compliance over innovation:

1. Overly concerned about increased cost associated with the innovation.
2. Not willing to accept responsibility for harm or loss associated with new method or equipment.
3. Knowledge required is outside training and/or experience.
4. Inability to visualize alternatives to existing methods and/or equipment.
5. It’s easier!

Safety personnel who do not collaborate and always say NO to innovation are destined for omission and failure.

As safety professionals and practitioners, how can we support innovation, be a respected member of the organization, and still ensure the safety of our people?

• Perform thorough hazard identification and risk assessments.
• Include all stakeholders in the above processes. Come to consensus or address concerns to resolution.
• Ensure senior management is on board with innovations and included in pertinent conversations.
• Take relevant course(s) expanding your expertise.
• Bring third party, knowledgeable people into the conversation and learn from their experience.
• Do not start with “NO.” Do the research, include the right people, and bring in the appropriate resources.

When presented with a challenge that introduces new hazards and risks, do not say no until you look at it.

Do you know someone in your organization who says “no” by default?

Has your experience revealed other ways for safety personnel to support innovation without exposing workers to harm?

#safety #safetyculture