Safety Culture in Building and Construction Industry
We came across a QUT study recently entitled “A Construction Safety Competency Framework: Improving OH&S Performance by Creating and Maintaining a Safety Culture.” This study is ideal as a summary of the importance of safety in our industry.
The building and construction industry consistently ranks within the three most dangerous and hazardous industries, alongside the mining and transport industries. In 2001-02 39 people were killed and 13,250 were injured in our industry. Clearly it is a matter of priority to maintain vigilant standards of OH&S througout every area of the industry considering the number of injuries involved. The interesting thing about this particular study is the relevance of the concept of a Safety Culture.
Put simply, a safety culture is an attitude, a state of mind that requires leadership and determination. If you work on a building site then you are individually responsible for safety and for leadership. It doesn’t matter what your role or position is. If everyone takes a proactive approach to their responsibility and to the encouragement of others then the culture becomes self fulfilling and progress can be made.
Next time you are on site ask yourself these simple OH&S questions:
1. Does a positive safety culture exist on this construction site?
2. If not, then why not?
3. If not, what are you going to do about it?
4. If there is a strong safety culture on your building site then why does it exist? What can you learn from what is
happening around you that you can take to the next building site?
One of the interpretations of the study indicated that there were three important personal characteristics that underlie a positive safety culture within the building and construction industry:
a. A strong knowledge of safety.
b. Good people and interpersonal skills.
c. Appropriate attitudes and beliefs.
Look at developing these three characteristics within yourself and helping others whom you work with to do so as well. You never know, it could save a life.
For more about OH&S Training in the Building and Construction Industry give us a call to discuss your needs or the needs of your company. Developing a strong knowledge of safety is the first step in developing a positive safety culture.
Filed Under: Featured • Industry News • OHS
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