AUGUST 2022CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM8IN MYOPINIONIn a world profoundly affected by Covid-19 pandemic, the role of safety professionals has been raised to a higher level. Across all regions, construction sites are classed as essential business workplaces, and safety inspections or audits still need to be completed. This is to ensure Covid compliance to local government controls. As a global Health and Safety (H&S) professional, I find that at the best of times leaders can be reluctant to conduct safety inspections or tours of construction sites. When I ask them, I can be met with comments like `I don't have the time' - uncomfortable pause - `Everything is ok, is it not?' Or `Why do we need to, has there been an accident?' It's not that leaders don't have the time; on balance they are certainly BEHAVIOURAL SAFETY, LEADER'S ENGAGEMENT ON SITE WITHOUT TECHNOLOGY `STOP' `TALK' `UNDERSTAND' `RESPOND'BY DAVID BURGE, GLOBAL HEAD OF HEALTH & SAFETY, BURO HAPPOLDconcerned about the project and about workers' welfare. However, we need to develop a positive mindset and engage leaders, persuading them to find the time to conduct real meaningful site visits in a safe and positive manner during Covid. Workers are a great source of information. Talking to them either individually or in small groups enables leaders to understand the issues and respond to ideas or areas for improvement. We don't need complex technology with business intelligence that kicks out stats for dashboards. Instead, a workforce needs to be supported and listened to,without fear of reprisal or discrimination. It can be important at times for leaders to be reminded that they are directly responsible for the safety and success of the project.I use a simple method called a `risk walk'. I try not to call it a site inspection or audit, as this can have a negative impact. Site audits/inspections can lead to questions from workers like `Did we pass?' or `What did they find wrong.' Risk walks focus on three areas:`risk to people', `risk to plant and property' and `risk to the environment'. · Risk to people: Do they have a safe place to work, suitable emergency procedures and provision for adequate welfare facilities? · Risk to plant and property: Has all plant been serviced correctly? Is there any legal compliance that requires inspection? Is the property that has just been built damaged in any way?
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