May 3, 2024
In this episode of the Safety and Risk Success podcast, Christian is joined by Karen Hewitt, health & safety consultant and author, to discuss the results of her recent survey on health and safety engagement. The survey delves into how safety professionals define and approach engagement, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for improvement. Karen and Christian explore the importance of strategic planning, leadership buy-in, and effective communication techniques to foster a culture of ownership and involvement in safety.
Highlights:
• Defining Engagement: Involving people and creating
ownership of safety.
• Importance of Engagement: Drives ownership and
improves safety outcomes.
• Dedicated Strategy: Needed for long-term impact and
consistency.
• Time Spent: Professionals desire to dedicate more
time to engagement.
• Challenges to Engagement: Lack of time and
leadership support.
• Drivers of Engagement: Primarily health & safety
professionals, but HR and comms are key.
• Hardest to Engage: Senior leaders and office
staff.
• Effective Techniques: Creating opportunities for
two-way conversations.
• Personalization: Adapting messages to different
stakeholders and learning styles.
• Health & Safety Identity: Often seen as trusted
advisors, but also as "police".
• Biggest Fear: Many professionals have no fear, but
others may.
• Improving Engagement: Increased leadership
commitment and time are crucial.
• Actionable Steps: Conduct a stakeholder analysis and
prioritize influence.
• Mindset Shift: View engagement as a continuous
improvement process.
• Empathy is Key: Understanding perspectives to bridge
the gap.
Actions:
Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-j-hewitt/
Connect with Chrisitan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/