The Safety Advocates

Since safety is 90 percent politics and only 10 percent work, the principle of the key advocate is appropriate, as it is easier to persuade decision makers when at least one person within their own circle believes in the proposal well enough to champion the cause. This means that someone within the inner circle must be persuaded to support the change in safety culture. 

The positive persuasive power of such a champion may make the difference between rejection and acceptance of the need for change. If this champion happens to be an executive, so much the better for the change process. One strong supporter of change can often persuade the rest of the group to accept decisions and moves for change. However, this principle can work conversely, and instead of the key advocate there may be someone who is totally opposed to change. 

Unions are a good source of safety advocates, and once they are on board the safety culture shift program, they are excellent supporters of safety initiatives. 

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