Is safety leadership a myth?
Thinking of yourself as a leader and actually being one is a different matter.
Additionally, the concept of ‘safety leadership’ is being used with increasing regularity, as though it is a stand-alone concept. I wonder if this mindset perpetuates an environment where senior management distance themselves from workplace safety in the mistaken view that this an area best left to someone else down the line with the requisite skills and knowledge. The reality of WH&S legislation in Australia, specifically, our due diligence requirements is that this is not an option.
When I listen to people discussing safety leaders as though aiming to create a new type of superhuman, I fear that they are missing an important point. Leadership is just Leadership. A safety Leader is not an appointed or allocated individual separate from any other leader in that organisation, nor do they require a separate skill set to other leaders. In today’s workplace it is a requirement and an expectation that your leaders understand organisational and individual WH&S obligations and are able to effectively influence and manage towards the goal of eliminating risk and workplace injury.
Integrating workplace health and safety systems into an organisation aims to create a work environment where WH&S is incorporated into all business decision making and activities, rather than as a stand-alone function working at odds with other business units towards goals which may or may not be aligned with each other. So why then treat safety leadership as separate. To have a truly effective workplace health and safety program all your leaders must be safety leaders. This means supporting, encouraging and even recruiting people whose leadership qualities include leading workplace health and safety and existing those who don’t.
So what then are the desirable attributes of a leader who can lead workplace health and safety?
1 Genuine passion for safety/care for other
Leaders can talk the talk when it comes to workplace safety but if a genuine desire to improve safety or care for others is absent, it will have a negative impact on the success of your workplace health and safety program
2.Visible presence
It is essential that leaders have a visible presence with regard to workplace safety. Leading by example, spending time talking with people and observing work practices assists in building relationships, respect and trust, opening channels of communication
3. Strong Communicator
Strong communication skills are a key attribute for a successful safety leader. This does not mean a brash in your face approach, but rather the ability to listen, gather information, and articulate concepts to various stakeholders effectively.
4. Problem solver/action taker
A successful safety leader does not need to have all the answers but the desire to take action, seek assistance in identifying solutions and follow through to resolution
5 Participative Management Style
Leaders who are successful safety leaders seek the participation and input of team members in implementing workplace safety systems rather than a role as a work place health and safety police officer.
So when considering leadership in your organisation start simple and consider the attributes and strengths of your current leaders and work towards supporting them in viewing workplace safety as a vital part of everyone’s job.
At HR Business Direction we are able to assist with workplace health and safety and leadership.
Christina Willcox MHSc; PostGradDip OHS; BBus(HRM)
Workplace Health & Safety Specialist
christina.willcox@hrbd.com.au
07 3890 2066
www.hrbd.com.au
