Blame and Accountability

Colin discusses the topics of blame and accountability in the workplace. Inspired by a LinkedIn post about people tripping on a step in a sports ground, Colin explores the idea that while human error may be a factor, there could also be underlying issues with design or construction KEY TAKEAWAYS Blame and accountability are important aspects of workplace safety. While it is important to avoid excessive blame, it is also crucial to hold individuals accountable for their actions and ensure they understand their responsibilities. Clear expectations and communication are essential for accountability. It is important to clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all employees, from top management to frontline workers. Understanding and managing risks is crucial. By identifying the risks specific to their business, organisations can develop comprehensive health and safety policies and arrangements that address those risks. BEST MOMENTS "And fundamentally there was almost somebody, something had happened, something had gone wrong potentially with this, you know, with how this step was either designed or constructed because it was causing a problem when it was actually in situ." "Do we sometimes get this whole blame and accountability piece a little bit wrong? And do we, you know, there seems to be a big trend at the moment, you know, where you can't say anything wrong about anybody or anything wrong about anything because it's not psychologically safe."  "People need to be accountable for their actions, for what it is that they do. But for people to be accountable, they need to know what is expected of them." VALUABLE RESOURCES The Interesting Health & Safety Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/vn/podcast/the-interesting-health-safety-podcast/id1467771449         Project Mollitiam - https://www.projectmollitiam.com       ABOUT THE HOST Colin Nottage ‘Making health and safety as important as everything else we do.’ This is the belief that Colin is passionate about and through his consultancy Influential Management Group (IMG) is able to spread into industry. Colin works at a strategic level with company owners and board members. He helps business leaders establish and achieve their health and safety ambitions. He has developed a number of leading competency improvement programmes that are delivered across industry and his strengths are his ability to take a practical approach to problem-solving and being able to liaise at all levels within an organisation. Colin also runs a company that vets contractors online and a network that develops and support H&S consultancies to become better businesses. Colin chairs the Construction Dust Partnership, an industry collaboration directly involving many organisations, including the Health and Safety Executive. He is a Post Graduate Tutor at Strathclyde University and a highly sought-after health and safety speaker and trainer. He has a Post Graduate Certificate in Safety and Risk management, an engineering degree and is a Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).