In the construction industry, the responsibility for health and safety practices in the workplace is paramount. To shed light on how professionals and leaders address this crucial issue, we turn to Douglas OHI’s Group General Manager and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Oman Chair, Aaron Hennessy. With his extensive experience, he shares valuable insights into the current state of health and safety practices. He also tackles the need to foster a safety culture among all project stakeholders.

Health and Safety as a Value

According to Aaron, health and safety should be embraced as core values rather than mere priorities. He highlights that while priorities can shift depending on circumstances, values remain steadfast. By instilling health and safety as non-negotiable values, it becomes second nature to apply and sustain them in daily work, regardless of the situation. Drawing an ingenious analogy to family values, he questions why we should label our family values as priorities. After all, family values revolve around safety, teamwork, and inclusivity–principles that mirror the essence of construction health and safety.

Fostering a Culture of Teamwork

Aaron advocates for leaders and managers to take the initiative in fostering a supportive environment to build trust among team members. When individuals feel part of a cohesive team that looks out for each other, they develop a sense of belonging and accountability. Health and safety become an intrinsic part of their core values as they genuinely care for their own well-being and that of their teammates. It is through this culture of teamwork that we establish a robust foundation for workplace safety.

Health and Safety Key Principles: ABC, KMF, and QE+

At Douglas OHI, health and safety practices are guided by three fundamental principles: Always Be Closing (ABC), Keep Moving Forward (KMF), and Question Everything Positively (QE+). 

These principles drive our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. By embracing the ethos of ABC, which emphasises continuous improvement and vigilance, and adhering to KMF, a mindset that propels progress; they ensure a proactive approach to safety. Additionally, QE+ encourages open and constructive questioning of existing practices, leading to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Collaborating with Like-Minded Partners

Aaron underscores the importance of working with partners who share the same values. At Douglas OHI, we never compromise the health and integrity of our people. We deeply respect our employees and values. And so, when collaborating with other entities, we ensure a shared vision that prioritises the well-being of all involved. By aligning with partners who uphold similar standards, we create a powerful alliance that reinforces a safety-centric approach.

As a respected leader renowned for fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and collaboration, Aaron generously shares his invaluable perspectives and experiences on this vital subject. Discover further insights from Aaron as he delves into this critical topic by exploring the comprehensive article featured in CIOB People. Delve into the full article to gain a deeper understanding of Aaron’s perspectives, experiences, and his call for constructive engagement and proactive action within the industry here!