When I was working at MOSH (Maryland Occupational Safety and Health), we investigated fatalities where someone unfortunately died on the jobsite from medical events. A heart attack or stroke can last several minutes. If you were walking past someone who wasn’t doing well, would you notice?
Today is the first day of Construction Safety Week. It’s a poignant reminder that a truly comprehensive safety culture extends beyond mere compliance and training. It requires a heightened sense of awareness and a shared commitment to looking out for one another.
At Culture Diagnostics, safety is one of the ten critical elements we measure when assessing an organization’s culture. A robust safety culture acknowledges that an employee’s well-being impacts not only their colleagues but also other people on the jobsite and even fellow commuters on the roads.
Safe behavior creates a ripple effect that reinforces a culture of care and vigilance, just as unsafe practices can have far-reaching consequences.
So, I ask you: Would you notice if someone on the jobsite didn’t seem quite right? Their apparent discomfort or distress could signify anything from heat stress to the early stages of a stroke or even suicidal ideation – a devastating yet all-too-common reality in the workplace.
By fostering a culture of attentiveness, where we actively observe and engage with our colleagues, we can potentially save lives in ways we might never imagine.
This Construction Safety Week, let’s commit to being present, observant, and willing to have those difficult yet crucial conversations. If you notice someone who doesn’t seem themselves, take a moment to check in and ask if they’re okay. Your simple act of care could make all the difference.
Would You Notice? (The Importance of an Attentive Safety Culture)
May 2, 2024
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