How do we breathe life into this safety culture?
It has proven effective to utilize a combination of automated, firmly established procedures – in other words, safety-supporting habits such as automatically using handrails, descending backwards from the forklift, or wearing the bump cap. These are actions and sequences that are repeated until they become second nature. This provides a solid framework, which must be complemented by a vigilant mindset. It's essential to keep this mindset active and sharp, much like a muscle – this is exactly what I meant by hard work at the beginning. Safety is an ongoing process that requires constant attention.
What does this look like practically in the plants?
What matters are the dialogues and the space we create for safety. At Xella, one of the ways we do this is through our "Let’s talk safety" events. These are discussion formats where the management visits the plants and engages in dialogue with the employees, but above all, listens. Furthermore, there are regular Safety Days, special events where we pause operations at the plants for a day. During these events, employees engage in interactive experiences related to workplace safety at various participation stations.
In day-to-day production, the "Safety Moments" during regular team and performance dialogues help to focus on the topic of safety. This safety moment is always the first item on the agenda. This way, teams at the plants initially discuss potential hazards and consider appropriate measures to avoid them before proceeding with daily tasks.
On every occasion it is the valuable exchange on equal terms that defines the dialogue and thus the learning effect. Here, I also see us C-Levels as being responsible, especially during the Let’s Talk Safety visits, for leading by example. An open exchange only works when we also share our experiences. Employees must have personal access to us. The employees need to have a personal connection to us, so that the message 'Safety is a Value' becomes credible and tangible and doesn't remain a beautiful utopia on paper.
What is your personal safety vision for the future?
No one gets hurt! For our industry, this may seem challenging. But that's it: my personal vision. No one gets hurt – neither physically nor emotionally. Mental health is also a very important future topic. Specifically, for us it's tied to the question of how our employees are doing. Mental condition is an equally important prerequisite to ensuring safety in the plants as one’s physical condition. Only when we are receptive can we be attentive and vigilant. Paying close attention and speaking openly during our exchange formats is a good start.
