How to Achieve Stable Continuous Improvement in Safety

Safety Management Systems demand continuous improvement and can be challenging due to their dynamic nature.  Recurring processes are pivotal for stress reduction and fostering continuous improvement within Safety Management.  Brye Sergeant (from Safety Geek) explains this very well, and her insights are summarized below.

Cyclical Processes in Safety Management:

• Safety Management involves cyclical processes like identifying hazards, developing corrective actions, and implementing them.
• Other crucial steps include coaching, observing, and analyzing results to ensure efficacy and compliance.

Creating Effective Systems and Processes:

• Program Rollouts and Refreshers:  Sergeant suggests using matrices and calendars to schedule and organize program rollouts and refresher training sessions.
• Multiple Touch Points:  She emphasizes the importance of touching employees with safety messages through various channels multiple times.
• Standardized Communication Cadence:  Developing a standardized communication cadence ensures that safety messages are consistently delivered and reinforced.
• Inspection Optimization:  Sergeant recommends condensing inspections into shorter timeframes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Standardized Evaluations:   Standardizing evaluations helps in assessing the effectiveness of safety processes and identifying areas for improvement.

Continuous Improvement Strategies:

• Effective continuous improvement relies on making small, incremental changes over time rather than drastic transformations.
• Implementing three to five improvements at a time ensures focused efforts and tangible progress in Safety Management.
• Regular Evaluation and Adjustment:  Continuously evaluating and adjusting processes ensures ongoing improvement and adaptability to changing needs.

• Testing for Efficacy:  Regular testing of processes helps identify any shortcomings or areas needing refinement.
  
  

Data Analysis and Gap Identification:

• Regular analysis of data is essential to identify gaps and areas for improvement within Safety Management systems.
• Updating processes based on new discoveries ensures that Safety Management systems remain effective and relevant over time.

Long-Term Benefits and Marketability:

• Continuous Improvement efforts compound over time, resulting in substantial long-term improvements in Safety Management.
• Success in Safety Management enhances marketability in the job market and fosters recognition as a proactive safety leader.

Course Forward:

• Struggling to get out of reactive safety incident management and wish to achieve the level of stability mentioned here?
• A Safety and Environmental pillar, sub-pillar, or project team can help!  
• Learn more about our Safety and Environmental Leader coaching program!  See the benefits below, and find more details in this link.  https://www.beltcourse.com/safety-and-environmental-leader-course-page

Sources:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSf-WXhQl7Q&list=PLyVgVZd7jUlorOBbGy9BmStxP283RINpI&index=350&t=24s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TwVcaWVjwE&list=PLyVgVZd7jUlorOBbGy9BmStxP283RINpI&index=351