Statistically, in Australia alone, this week 3-4 people will die as a result of a workplace incident, and many more will be seriously injured. Moreover, as organisations are seeking to do more with less, increasing episodes of heightened workplace stress and mental health challenges can go unnoticed, often resulting in serious, even tragic outcomes. In Australia, every second day an employee in the construction industry alone commits suicide.
Beyond Behaviourism – The “Why"
For well over a decade, many organisations within the mining, oil & gas and construction sectors have sought to improve safety performance through Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) programs. Unfortunately, BBS programs are often perceived in a negative way – especially by the workforce. Such programs are (rightly or wrongly) viewed as focusing on “policing”, “tick and flick” exercises or “dobbing on your mate”. Little wonder that cynicism about BBS tools and processes among team members is often very high. While some positive gains have been made, the BBS approach does little to create genuine engagement and intrinsic motivation. While many organisations persist with BBS programs (along with the associated ongoing expense and inevitable disappointment), for all of the above reasons, BBS programs are simply not sustainable as a stand-alone solution.
The “What”
In contrast, the Care Factor Program draws from more recent research into Positive Psychology, as well as the organisations that are considered “best in class” regarding safe operations – High Reliability Organisations (HROs). Consistent findings from such research demonstrate that key attributes such as trust, care, engagement, resilience, positive challenge and Authentic Leadership are strongly associated with excellence in safety cultures and employee well-being, largely by creating a strong sense of Psychological Safety.
The Care Factor Program builds these very attributes within our clients’ leaders, employees, contractors and culture.
The “Who”
Our Care Factor Program presenters are all Safety Psychologists and/or HSE professionals with many years of industry experience, particularly in the mining, oil & gas, utilities and construction sectors, and are exceptional facilitators and coaches.
They are not only content specialists but are also highly attuned to working with the internal processes and specific needs of each group or team member. The outcomes of this level of expertise are evidenced through consistent positive feedback from participants and improved outcomes in terms of safe operations, increased employee well-being and positive cultural development.
