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How Curiosity in Safety Culture Drives Improvement for Workers

Update Curiosity: The Heart of Safety Culture In the realm of workplace safety, curiosity serves as the foundation for a robust culture. Sander Jansen, a SHEQ advisor at the Kustwacht, highlights the importance of asking the right questions—not just the rote inquiries about safety, but deeper questions that unveil the underlying truths about organizational practices. Curiosity, according to many safety experts, creates genuine engagement between leadership and employees, fostering an atmosphere where safety becomes a shared responsibility. Empowering Conversations: Beyond Routine Questions The typical safety check often falls short, reduced to superficial questions like, "Is everything safe?" or "Any issues here?" This repetitive, scripted questioning often results in silence—a far cry from productive dialogue. Prof. Andrew Sharman emphasizes that effective leaders must engage in what he terms 'Curiosity Conversations.' These dialogues should prioritize understanding the reasons behind safety protocols and the lived experiences of those on the frontlines. This shift can transform safety from a mere checkbox into a vital conversation about improving operational standards. The Real Benefits of a Curious Mindset Adopting a mindset of curiosity can enhance safety culture in numerous ways. When employees feel encouraged to ask questions, explore scenarios, and offer insights, they become more invested in safety processes and outcomes. Jansen's work at Kustwacht revolves around this very principle; he strives to create an environment where questions lead to innovations in safety measures. This not only strengthens teams but also leads to improved health and safety practices, ultimately reducing workplace accidents. Facing Challenges: Why Curiosity is Crucial Curiosity is not just beneficial—it is essential in an industry where complacency can lead to tragedies. As leaders nurture curiosity, they empower their teams to voice concerns and propose solutions that may have previously gone unaddressed. Sharman illustrates this point with a stark reminder: silence can have fatal consequences. Leaders must encourage open conversations to bridge gaps in communication that often exist in hierarchical structures. Creating a Sustainable Safety Mindset Creating a lasting safety culture requires more than just curiosity; it involves embedding this mindset throughout organizational practices. From training sessions that inspire open discussions to regular assessments of safety measures through the lens of curiosity, organizations can operationalize this approach. With curiosity at the helm, they not only enhance safety but also build a resilient, motivated workforce ready to tackle challenges collectively. Take Action: Embrace Curiosity for Safety As organizations move forward, embracing curiosity should be a strategic aim. Safety policies need not be restrictive; instead, they should encourage innovation and dialogue. By instilling a curiosity-driven culture, organizations can transform their safety standards, ensuring a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. For leaders like Jansen, the message is clear: fostering curiosity is not just about questioning safety; it’s about cultivating a safer, more engaged workplace.