Insight from Trevor Beale, Operations and Quality Director.
Have you ever wondered what the most valuable investment a company can make is? It's not always about expensive new technology, ambitious expansion plans, or clever marketing campaigns. Sometimes, it's something even more fundamental than that, and that is safety. For us, safety isn't just about compliance or ticking boxes; it's an investment in our most valuable asset - our people.
As we celebrate Rail Safety Week, I want to reflect on Belvoir Rail's safety journey and the profound impact that prioritising our employees' safety and well-being has had.
Standing Out with a Strong Safety Record
At the heart of our operations lies a simple truth: safety is not just a priority, but a continuous investment. It is the bedrock upon which productivity, morale, and ultimately, our company's success are built.
In today's competitive landscape, our strong safety record isn't just a point of pride; it's a powerful differentiator. It speaks volumes about our commitment to ethical practices and our dedication to making sure that everyone can work confidently and goes home safely each day.
Safety certainly isn't just a buzzword for us, or something that is achieved through passive measures. Safety is a guiding principle. Why? Because the well-being of our people is non-negotiable. It requires a proactive approach, where policies, processes, equipment, training, and resources converge to create a culture of care.
Safety is a Collective Effort
Investing in safety goes beyond regulatory compliance; it's about fostering a culture where every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered. At Belvoir Rail, we are all safety advocates. We involve everyone in creating a positive health, well-being, and safety culture. Our environment is an open one where individuals feel comfortable speaking up about safety concerns and sharing ideas for improvement.
Practical and Actionable Safety Measures
In every task we undertake, whether it's routine operations or in response to unexpected challenges, our approach ensures that safety measures are practical and actionable. We believe that a safe workplace is the foundation of a productive and positive work environment, and we are dedicated to making safety simple and understandable for everyone.
Simplifying Safety for Everyday Implementation
We simplify safety, making it accessible through easy-to-understand policies and regular training sessions. Safety isn't just part of a checklist ; it's part of our daily conversations and decision-making processes.
From the moment a new team member joins us, they are introduced to our safety culture through comprehensive onboarding sessions that emphasise the importance of safe practices. We believe that understanding safety should be intuitive, which is why our policies are written in clear, straightforward language that everyone can grasp.
Our training sessions are designed to keep safety at the forefront of everyone's mind. They are interactive and engaging, ensuring that everyone is well-versed in the latest safety protocols and feels confident in their ability to implement them. I'll often ask the team to reflect on their learning and training experiences and if there is an opportunity to improve things, we will.
Clean and organised spaces
We are also proud advocates of the 5S methodology, a five-step approach to creating clean, organised and efficient workspaces. By implementing this system, we’ve not only created structure but also set clear expectations for our team members.
An important aspect of our 5S approach is ensuring that every tool has a designated place. This reduces the risk of accidents caused unexpected obstacles or by items being scattered randomly. We evaluate every item in our workspace, keeping only what’s essential. Unnecessary items are removed, leaving behind a streamlined environment.
For us, consistency is key, so we’ve also established standardised procedures for maintaining our organised spaces. Whether it’s labelling shelves or following specific storage guidelines, everyone is on the same page.
Our commitment to the 5S methodology has yielded remarkable results. Not only are our workspaces more optimised for safety, efficiency, and productivity, but our teams move seamlessly, knowing exactly where to find tools and materials.
Safety isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment. We encourage team members to take pride in their organised spaces. It's even naturally sparked friendly competition among team members to maintain the best-kept area. The pride in maintaining an organised area has become contagious!
A Growth-Oriented Approach
Our approach to safety is rooted in positivity and continuous improvement, not fear or blame. We embrace a growth-oriented mindset, where learning and innovation drive our safety initiatives forward. By cultivating an open environment where every voice is heard, we ensure that safety remains a collective responsibility - one we all champion.
Mindfulness and Workplace Safety
In a busy environment, it's easy to get caught up in routines and go on autopilot, which can lead to accidents or near misses. We encourage our employees to work consciously, staying present in their tasks. Being actively mindful helps us become better listeners and communicators, improving teamwork and ensures safety protocols are clearly understood and followed. When employees are attentive and alert, they are more likely to notice potential hazards and avoid risky behaviours, especially in high-stress situations where calm, clear thinking is essential.
Building on Solid Foundations
As the Operations and Quality Director, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our safety culture and the incredible strides we've made in ensuring our team's well-being. So, what's my vision for the future at Belvoir Rail? To continue building on the foundation of safety and investment in our people that we've worked so hard to create.
Safety isn't an expense to be minimised; it's an investment to be maximised - for the welfare of our employees, the sustainability of our operations, and the continued success of our business.
So, next time you think about investments, consider this: what could be more valuable than the safety and well-being of your people?
