In this expert guest episode, we're joined by Rob McDonald, better known as Safety Rob! We talk about what happens when safety decisions become disconnected from the people actually doing the work. Rob has spent decades in workplace health and safety, including experiencing serious incidents himself, and argues that effective safety communication starts by getting away from the desk, asking better questions and listening to the people closest to the risk.
We explore why lagging indicators and traditional KPIs can give decision-makers an incomplete picture, why toolbox talks aren't necessarily communication, and what needs to happen for important information to make its way from the frontline to the boardroom. Because the role isn’t done until somebody does something with what you told them.
What You'll Learn:
Why reporting what has already gone wrong isn't enough to prevent what happens next
Why managing from your desktop gives you an incomplete picture of the business
What genuine two-way communication looks like
Why a toolbox talk can easily become one-way communication
Why important safety information can get lost on its way to decision-makers
How photos, videos and frontline stories can make risks real for senior leaders
Why asking people about problems without acting on what they tell you can undermine the whole process
Worth Repeating:
“If you're just reporting KPIs and traffic lights on that and how many injuries we've had, you're not getting decisions to the decision-makers.”
“I need a report process that says, ‘I'm dealing with this every day. I've talked to my team and through consultation, they've told me this, and we have these risks identified.’”
“Take a photo of your highest risks. Actually get people just to video or say, or go and talk to people and ask them, ‘What is it you need? What is it you do that we shouldn't be doing? What is it that can be improved?’”
“The problem with a lagging indicator is we're measuring ourselves against something that has already happened.”
About Rob McDonald:
Rob McDonald is the Owner and Managing Director of GSD Safety, with more than 25 years' experience as a workplace health and safety consultant. Through GSD Safety, Rob works with organisations to improve their safety management systems, protect their people and better understand the risks happening inside their businesses.
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