Zero Harm Basics for a Great Project

Recently, I posted a blog "What Safety Practices Underpin a Great Project?". In my blog, I asked everyone how can we turn our approach to going BeyondZero harm by looking at safety differently. We know that policy and procedures alone are not working and by bringing the human element into play we can and have achieved Zero Harm. However we cannot achieve this on all our projects.    

Basically what works well and what do we need to do to turn our people and our thinking into a strong project culture.

I was on a large London based project ¾ acre site in Soho London. 1.3 million man hours and one RIDDOR (trip over rope exiting hoist). It was under CDM 2007. I worked with the client, I held weekly safety meetings with contractors.

I reviewed their RAMS and provided guidance. I walked around the site and spoke to operatives on site and asked them if they were OK. I had a few jokes ready and on regular basis was asked for the joke of the week. I stopped and chatted and suggested a few things. If guys needed support I became approachable and tried to problem solve, not always easy.

There were many operatives of differing levels, the guys who might be hurt are the guys who complete the nuts and bolts work, not the managers (in general). Therefore, different discussions with different persons. I was approached by two trades who were interested in getting into H&S – I understand since they have moved into the area.

We had a system of reporting the number of hours worked per month, when there was an occurrence many suggested we had to start again, my view was to say that was not required, we need to except things and continue to work to achieve an aim – minimal occurrences, minial accidents, all go home at night.

My approach was to talk openly and discuss, willing to be challenged by all persons, from managers to operatives. Took time to discuss. Did not scream and shout as some H&S people do.

My belief, we need buy-in, we need conversation, we need to let people we are not all screamy shouty, we need to be approachable and explain why we consider something is required – not a stock answer “it is health and safety, or you can do that the law says so”.

The project completed in 2015. Some of the guys who worked on the project I meet on other projects with the client – they are and still complimentary over the project.