Safety Culture And Leadership Are A Matter Of Life And Death
This was no more clearer when comparing global players Exxon Mobil and BP. Both had major drilling issues on specific sites, Blackbeard West well (Exxon Mobil) and Macondo, Gulf of Mexico (BP).
Workers At Both Sites Had Concerns.
Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson decided to halt drilling (at enormous financial loss $170 million). BP continued driven strongly by the market and sadly ended in disaster (11 lives and countless environmental/brand damage). CEO Tony Hayward admitted he had known nothing about the well and its increasing difficulties leading to the explosion.
Deep down the two companies had different cultures and very different leaders.
Does Your Culture Engage Its People?
Are ideas and concerns left in the car park or openly discussed without fear into the workplace?
Several years ago Bridgeworks worked with a steel company. Safety audits were appalling for the division we were asked to work with. 12 months later that same division was ranked the best on site. In fact, when the site shop steward ordered a strike for poor communication with management, the site we worked with responded “We don’t have any issue with management. If we have a problem we tell them, they listen and then act”
The solution was in building trust between management and workers. Creating a safe environment where open and fruitful conversations can flow.
It’s not rocket science.
If building a safety culture is your priority, contact us so we can share our latest research and strategies.
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