1. How did you feel when you were asked to join the Safety Steering Team?
When I was invited to join the Safety Steering Team I felt excited to be in a position to have input. I had a lot to say. Not all good. But at the same time, I was skeptical that anything would change. I had seen a few safety initiatives come and go. I quickly got the impression that this would be different. After our first meeting, I listed off a handful of safety issues I had to the Director of Risk Management. The next morning before our meeting I was a bit nervous that I had been too blunt. But he walked right up to me and said he had thought about what I said and he had a few ideas. That made me hopeful.
2. What is your role as an SST member?
My primary role is to work with other members to identify safety hazards and help to find solutions. The CI teams do the heavy lifting by creating programs to improve our safety culture. My favorite aspect of being a member of the SST is talking to crew members and hearing first-hand what issues they are experiencing, and then working to resolve as many as possible.
3. How have you seen Barrett’s safety culture change since developing the Goal Zero program?
The year the SST was formed was going to be my last season with the company. I loved my job and the people I worked with but I worried someone was going to get seriously injured and I could not bear to see that happen. The changes that I have seen in our safety culture are the reason I am still working here.
4. What changes have you seen with Barrett since the implementation of Goal Zero and our CI processes?
The biggest change I have seen is the focus on safety throughout Barrett and Strawser. All levels of the company discuss, focus, and plan around safety aspects. The communication in huddles, close calls, and safety conversations all work to keep everyone more aware of hazards and recognize others for their efforts toward Goal Zero. Previously I only had one person I would contact for anything safety related. I could always count on her but she could not do it all. Now I feel I can address issues with anyone and they all have the ability to help. Everyone has always wanted to do things safely but now I feel everyone has the power to do so.
5. Finish the sentence: Safety is…
Safety is a way of life. It is not something you do just at work. Or just at home. It is how you do everything.
