The Journey to Zero!

 “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right.” – Henry Ford

That quote has been referred to so many times, it may have lost some of its power, but it is just as true today as it was when Henry Ford first said it. Our beliefs dictate our effort. When it comes to keeping workers safe, we need a goal of zero accidents.

A good place to start the journey to zero accidents is to uncover those unsafe behaviors that lead to accidents.  This can start with a well-defined communications effort to explain your goal and what you are going to implement to achieve it.  It’s important to set forth the targets of incremental improvement you are seeking and consistently provide feedback of the performance to the workforce.  Tell them what you want and tell them how they are doing, as often as possible.

How many unsafe behaviors are acceptable?  That goal must be zero. When management and the workforce focus on eliminating unsafe behaviors, amazing things can happen.  You create the habit of safety. 

When communicating you goal in this manner you can focus on identifying the leading indicators (unsafe behaviors) that occur in your workplace.  They can include behaviors like:  

• Short Cuts
• Snap Decisions
• Complacency
• Unsafe Behavior
• Unsafe Conditions

 This process is the same used by the Japanese car manufacturers so many years ago to improve productivity.  It was unquestionably the reason that launched them to prominence in the auto industry.  It is called Kaizen (improvement) and refers to activities that continuously improve all functions and involve all employees from the CEO to the assembly line workers.

Henry Ford had it right. It begins with belief that if you think you can achieve zero accidents, or believe you can’t achieve zero accidents - you're right.”

What do you believe?

For more information on AwardSafety products or services or other white papers that can help you build a zero based goal please contact us at awardsafetyinfo@cox.net