The paper highlights the role of effective communication, empathy and trust in building strong safety cultures. Communication is a critical part of leadership in safety, because it drives positive change and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for safety.

By reframing the safety conversation, from compliance to commitment, we shape cultures of care in which safety performance is improved, accident rates are reduced, and a more positive and productive work environment is created.

This white paper explores the evolution of safety leadership to involve a focus on role modelling, engaging teams and building trust. The authors draw from the experiences of large companies to illustrate the difference between success and failure in delivering safety excellence. They then send a call to action to leaders, to set a clear and positive “tone from the top”, to ensure safety is valued in both words and actions.