TRUST - a step-by-step dismantling. Eight reflections for industrial safety.

Caffè Lungo, sea buckthorn tea, vanilla wafers, durian or nacho chips or grab some headphones and read in a quiet moment.

1. Worldwide proverbs and wisdoms

Firm belief in the reliability, truth or ability of someone or something.

"He who does not trust enough will not be trusted." | China, Lao Tzu "Trust comes on foot but leaves on horseback." | The Netherlands, Johan Rudolph Thorbecke "Trust is earned when actions meet words." | United States of America "Trust is like paper, once crumpled it never returns to its original form." | Brazil "The world stands on trust." | India "Home is home; you trust the people there." | Ghana "When mistrust comes in, love goes out." | Ireland

2. Conclusions of three well-known trust researchers

Robert F. Hurley | "Trust is a critical element in successful relationships, organizations, and societies. …its built through a combination of factors including competence, integrity, and benevolence. …can be strengthened by fostering open communication, demonstrating consistent and ethical behavior, and showing genuine concern for others' well-being." Rachel Botsman - “Who Can You Trust?” | "Trust is undergoing a profound transformation in the digital age. …we are moving from institutional trust to distributed trust, where technology platforms play a crucial role in enabling trust between strangers. … while technology can facilitate trust, it also brings new challenges and risks that need to be managed carefully." John M. J. Madey | "Trust is a fundamental component of effective cooperation and collaboration in various settings. …is built through repeated positive interactions and the demonstration of reliability, integrity, and competence. … is dynamic and context-dependent, requiring ongoing effort and attention to maintain. …can be eroded by inconsistency, dishonesty, and failure to meet expectations, making it essential to address issues promptly and transparently to preserve and rebuild trust."

3. Scientific Explainer – related to Safety

Trust relies on adherence to scientific standards, transparent processes, and proven safety protocols. This trust ensures compliance, reduces accidents, and promotes a culture of safety and reliability

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4. Mixture of different perceptions and points of view – related to Safety

> Corporations, contemporary perception | Trust in industrial safety stems from transparent communication, adherence to safety standards, and proactive risk management. It fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. > Frontline workers, point of view | Trust perceived in industrial safety as reliance on management's commitment to their well-being, consistent safety training, and proper maintenance of equipment, ensuring a secure work environment. > Management, point of view | Trust in industrial safety as ensuring compliance with regulations, fostering open communication, and investing in safety programs. This trust underpins employee confidence and operational reliability.

5. Does trust in industrial safety between employees and stakeholders of different kinds somehow arise automatically?

A summary of countless recommendations, tips and literature in five dimensions - each with a final sentence from my experience archive.

5.1 Trust in Systems and Procedures

Well-designed systems and procedures are essential. Frontline needs to trust these systems as these prove to be effective, reliable, and consistently followed by everyone in the organization. The general understanding is based on an invitation to understand rather than purely rigid instructions.

5.2 Trust in Leadership

Frontline expect managers to set the tone for the safety culture, demonstrate their commitment to safety and ensure that safety practices are prioritized and enforced. There is no suspicion of tick-the-box settings.

5.3 Trust in Communication

Effective, open and respectful communication about safety issues, procedures and incidents promotes trust. The frontline must be able to rely on being informed and involved in the safety process. Conversations, comments and exchanges are aimed at resonance rather than just sending and receiving.

5.4 Trust in Training and Awareness

Training and awareness programs play a critical role in ensuring that employees understand safety protocols, know how to respond to hazards and are able to prioritize safety in their daily work. Investing in these programs helps to reinforce a safety-conscious culture and a solid baseline of understanding. Rich learning transfer techniques such as Design Thinking, Nudging, Participatory Design, Chronic Unease, heutagogical approaches and generally well thought-out didactics crumble boredom.

5.5 Trust through Experience

If the frontline experiences the effectiveness of the safety measures over time and sees that the commitment to safety is consistently adhered to by all those involved. Additional investment in empowerment, self-directed learning and knowledge of human nature are complementary trust assets.

6. Losing Trust – when it backfires

“Why we lost it?” A written dissection of causes.

Causes | Lack of transparency – a mistrust booster, failure to adress concerns – downplaying, inadequate training and resources – a trust eroder, inconsistent enforcement – the blame-unfairness machine, high incident rates. Effects | Decreased morale and engagement – the absenteeism increaser, increased incidents via non-compliance, high turnover - the costly wave of resignation, poor communication – the stop reporting hazards/feedback danger, legal and finance consequences. Outlook, rebuild trust opportunities | Immediate response needed – adressing concerns area, long-term rebuilding by management, culture shift – involvement, monitoring and feedback – humanized mechanisms.

7. Measurement of Trust Loss (and recovery signals)

Trust-o-Meter: Regular online voting in 20% percent increments, i.e. values 1 to 5 with a consolidated, centrally placed image on the intranet Trust Talks/Trust Corner: From time to time, minutes are added to existing meetings to share trust observations, general experiences, suggestions for "how to earn", "how to maintain" and "how to lose". Employee Surveys: Conduct regular and anonymous surveys to gauge trust levels. Incident Reports: Monitor the frequency and severity of safety incidents. Turnover Rates: Track changes in employee turnover rates. Feedback Channels: Use feedback from safety committees and suggestion boxes.

Of course, you also need a recovery plan. Constantly looking at loss values does not create a favorable, energy-spraying atmosphere of confidence.

The recovery mix varies from industry to industry and is a kind of organic strategy. Make the plan, then just work through it and you're done... This cannot be achieved with a static fulfillment plan. Organic means constantly working on it together, talking about it, sharing successes, creating a collective awareness. Like a slightly larger version of the trust universe in private life.

Basic structure for ongoing individualization – and give the recovery a name

> Immediate Actions (First Month):

- Transparent Communication: Address the incident openly and honestly. - Immediate Corrective Measures: Implement and communicate immediate safety improvements.

> Short-Term Efforts (Three Months):

- Enhanced Training: Conduct safety training and refresher courses. - Frequent Updates: Provide regular updates on safety initiatives and improvements.

> Long-Term Strategy (Six Months to a Year):

- Cultural Shift: Foster a safety-first culture with continuous improvement and employee involvement. - Trust Monitoring: Regularly survey employees to monitor trust levels and address concerns promptly.

8. The Frontline-Management-Trust-Fusion – the path to the Deep Trust Zone

When safety cells and chromosomes release trust energies in the fusion process - a consideration of four aspects:

Benefits | Enhanced morale and job satisfaction, improved compliance and productivity, reputation and retention. Effects | Reduced incidents and injuries, open communication, continuous improvement. Responsabilities | By management & by frontline. Moment of Earning Trust | Visible Commitment by management, effective communication – recognized feedback creates tangible changes - and consistency.

Trust me, behind these five letters are amazingly diverse continents of human nature. Pack comfortable clothes, a flashlight, your favorite music, a lighter, sun protection and plenty of good humor.

And maybe your company canteen will create a weekly trust menu as an edible mini-nudge - "Credibility Lasagne with aromatic trust crust".