Recorded June 2023. Many safety professionals have moved away from playing the “safety cop” in their organizations. Experience shows that when we treat employees with respect and actively seek and use their input, they become invested partners in helping create inclusive workplaces that embrace innovation, drive productivity, foster resilience and strive to ensure everyone returns home safely to their loved ones. To accelerate this shift in our profession, each of us must continuously review our beliefs, philosophies and attitudes and be willing to incorporate new ideas into our practice of safety.

In this excerpt from Safety 2023 Plenary Session, our expert panel of safety leaders shared how they have improved their impact using approaches such as safety differently, human and organizational performance, relationship-centered leadership and psychological safety. The group shared insights on how you can adopt a systems view and focus on building relationships as a foundation for change, rather than policies, rules, control and discipline. The group also shared practical guidance and suggestions to help you become a more effective safety leader.