Idealistic Safety

October 15 2017
By: Terry L. Mathis

A lot of shots have been taken at the idea of zero accidents lately, but allow me to fire one more volley. Idealism is one of several things that tends to separate safety professionals from the business leaders with whom they work. Lofty and perfectionistic goals like zero accidents can turn off business professionals who tend to be much more practical and realistic. Although business leaders often repeat the goals and stress the importance and priority of safety to the troops, they look at the results and know the real picture. A pep talk for the team is different from a true business objective.

Although business leaders often realize the importance of safety, and safety pros often appreciate the necessity of running the business, they tend to manage very differently. This difference can potentially keep them from attaining the kind of harmony of purpose from which excellence comes.