Safety culture Published Oct. 25, 2010 By Lt Col Walt Koelln 94 AW Chief of Safety DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- During the investigation following the 1986 Chernobyl power plant (nuclear) disaster in the Ukraine, investigators identified a "poor safety culture" as contributory. In a similarly titled article in this month's edition of Safety+Health Magazine, the author tries to identify what exactly "safety culture" means. Quite honestly, a debate has ensued as to what the differences might be between "safety culture" and "safety climate"; and I might add a third, "safety attitude". You know what? Who cares?!? Who cares what you call it? Are you safe? Do you manage risk? Do you assess risk both at work and at home and mitigate it? Do you share risk management and assessment techniques and information with family and friends? Well, then you have contributed to a safety culture, safety climate, and have a safety attitude and mindset. And that, my friends, is what is most important. Here are some quotes from Safety Industry experts worth contemplating. "safe*ty cul*ture n 2: "Everyone does the safe thing whether anyone is watching or not." ~ Steve Simon, Culture Change Consultants Do you speed? Only 1 or 2 MPH? Do you do a "California rolling stop" at a stop sign? Do you run a red light when no one is at the intersection but you? Remember...humans are creatures of habit...if you do something wrong 99% of the time "when no one's watching" and then need that skill during a "critical phase of flight" as we say in the flying business, you will revert to your habitual behavior which can get you in trouble. "safe*ty cul*ture n 3: "Collective values and norms an organization has regarding safety." ~ Terry Miller, National Safety Council We in Safety like to say everyone is an extension of the Safety office. EVERYONE! Not just leadership. Not just the Safety professionals. Not just your Unit Safety Representative. Everyone. Period. What does that mean? Well, when you walk by something or someone that is unsafe, correct it on the spot and/or report it. Dobbins has a marvelous safety record largely because we collectively have a safety mentality. We aren't perfect, so keep an eye out for that hole in the grass creating a tripping hazard. Or that dude up on a building wearing a harness but not strapped to anything. Or that unsafe parking situation. Or that motorcycle rider who doesn't have on the right Personal Protective Equipment. We all benefit when we all work safety together. "safe*ty cul*ture n 4: "The enduring value and priority placed on worker and public safety by everyone in every group at every level of an organization." ~ Terry von Thaden, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Well, that nails it. Everyone. Period. Thanks to all of you for your safety attitude and mindset, which establishes a safety climate at Dobbins, and ultimately ensures we exist in a safety culture. Please share this safety culture at home. We hope you have an enjoyable and safe autumn and holiday season. Be safe! Quote source: "Safety Culture: What is it, and how do you know you have it," by Kyle W. Morrison, senior associate editor, Safety+Health Magazine, October 2010