January 2011 Safety Message

Coaching in Safety

Safety can sometimes be compared to a well played sport where the team wins because of a good coach, strong captain and the team plays together to win for the full duration.

In our business the game of safety starts with the coach or our most senior people leading our projects and offices. The message from management must be clear and well understood by everyone. Our athletes (our workers) must be made aware of the rules (our health & safety policy, safety culture and site specific safety regulations) before playing the game or commencing the task. The instructions given must be clear, concise and appropriate for the task, similar to a coach setting out the game plan. At the same time our people must be allowed to ask questions just as athletes ask questions of their coach. Holding our people accountable is no different than a coach asking questions of his or her players to encourage the athlete (our workers) to self analyse performance.

Once the game or task commences the assistant coaches (supervisors) take over and observe the different players (workers) as they work their way through the game and appropriate feedback on strengths (positive recognition) and weaknesses (stop and correct) is given throughout the game (task). Prior to the game or task, the supervisor checks the player (the worker) to ensure he or she is fit to play the game. Even the training staff plays a big role making sure the equipment is in good order and that all players (workers) go through the necessary pre-game activities (proper training) before playing the game.

Because our management and supervision watch from the outside, the team (our crews) need strong captains (our leaders) for leadership from the moment the game begins to the end. The team (our workers) rely on the captain (our leaders) for their experience and direction while in the game (the workplace).

To win in safety is no different to playing a game for the full sixty minutes for the win. Sometimes you can be ahead in safety but there is always that chance you can lose (get injured) if you lose focus and allow the opposition (work elements) to take over before the game is over. The game of safety is only over and won when you return home safe.