Results of the Big Health & Safety Engagement Survey, with Karen Hewitt

In this episode of the Safety and Risk Success podcast, Christian is joined by Karen Hewitt, health & safety consultant and author, to discuss the results of her recent survey on health and safety engagement. The survey delves into how safety professionals define and approach engagement, the challenges they face, and the opportunities for improvement. Karen and Christian explore the importance of strategic planning, leadership buy-in, and effective communication techniques to foster a culture of ownership and involvement in safety.

Highlights:
• Defining Engagement: Involving people and creating ownership of safety.
• Importance of Engagement: Drives ownership and improves safety outcomes.
• Dedicated Strategy: Needed for long-term impact and consistency.
• Time Spent: Professionals desire to dedicate more time to engagement.
• Challenges to Engagement: Lack of time and leadership support.
• Drivers of Engagement: Primarily health & safety professionals, but HR and comms are key.
• Hardest to Engage: Senior leaders and office staff.
• Effective Techniques: Creating opportunities for two-way conversations.
• Personalization: Adapting messages to different stakeholders and learning styles.
• Health & Safety Identity: Often seen as trusted advisors, but also as "police".
• Biggest Fear: Many professionals have no fear, but others may.
• Improving Engagement: Increased leadership commitment and time are crucial.
• Actionable Steps: Conduct a stakeholder analysis and prioritize influence.
• Mindset Shift: View engagement as a continuous improvement process.
• Empathy is Key: Understanding perspectives to bridge the gap.

Actions:
Connect with Karen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-j-hewitt/
Connect with Chrisitan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-harris-slip-safety/