“Knowing” – the key to improving safety culture

Perception is a powerful thing. So many of our actions are determined by how we perceive things to be. How we perceive is based on what we think we hear or see. Yet, our perception of events, words and even people can be entirely wrong.

This was the case when I recently conducted a Safety Perception Survey with one of our customers. For a long time, the supervisors were working under the assumption that they had it all in hand - their people's trust, respect and of course, safety. Their performance appraisals indicated that their work was satisfactory and their employees never raised any concerns.

In sharing the results of the survey, the supervisors heard from their direct employees and managers that they were performing well. People considered them credible and knowledgeable...in a production context. But, when it came to safety, the survey results showed an unexpected divide. While the supervisors all believed that safety was a "number 1” priority for them, the perception of their crews was that safety came second, if at all.

“ Everything you see or hear or experience in any way at all is specific to you. You create a universe by perceiving it, so everything in the universe you perceive is specific to you.” – Douglas Adams

When the crews saw their supervisors on the floor, many described them as being focused on getting the product out the door. They saw their supervisors recognising crews for the volume of production, or individuals being called out for making a process faster or quicker. What they didn't see was their supervisor place safety on the same level of importance as production. They didn't hear their supervisor acknowledge a well-delivered tool box talk or recognise a person doing their job well AND safely.

While hearing the feedback was confronting, the supervisors conceded that there was some truth in the data. The tough economic climate had encouraged them to focus on sales and production. They hadn't realised that with this focus dominating discussions, they had pushed safety a little more into the background. Participating in the survey had given them an insight that they would not have otherwise received. It helped them understand why their belief in safety wasn't being seen or heard by the crews.

How aligned is the perception of your performance and safety efforts, with those of your people?

I am a passionate supporter of knowing where you are to plan where you’re going. If you haven’t already undertaken a Safety Perception Survey, I would encourage you to reach out to your network and find one that works for you.

My personal preference is the Caterpillar Safety Services version – I know, I work here, but I can and will vouch for the depth of insight and statistical validity of it. Not all Safety Perception Surveys are created equal and I won’t advocate anything that doesn’t meet my personal high standards.

If you'd like to make headway on your safety efforts, by gaining an insight into the safety perceptions of your people, feel welcome to give me a ring (Australia): 1800 000 228 or have a look our Safety Perception Survey on safety.cat.com

Author: Jenny Krasny

About the Author: As a self-proclaimed Safety Nut, kettle bell aficionado, member of the Caterpillar Safety Services team and a mother of two, I am active, busy and driven by big challenges! My passion is working with businesses to help define, measure, enhance and track their safety culture success. I am constantly on the road presenting at conferences and seminars, so make sure you connect with me on LinkedIn to see my updates and join in the conversation.