Photo: Van Oord
Photo: Van Oord
“You don't compete on safety
– it is in everyone's interest”
Motivation and safety are inextricably linked. Without motivation there is no alertness, and without alertness there is no safety. It is our joint task to keep each other sharp and to create a working environment in which everyone returns home safely every day. Say Yes to Safety is not just a slogan; it is a mentality that we strive for and maintain together.
In addition, Veilig Werken op Zee offers free materials to start the conversation about safety and to help make your workplace safer. This is especially valuable for small businesses that do not have the knowledge in-house. By making these materials available, everyone can use them and contribute to a safer working environment.
Although motivation must come from the people themselves, the organisation plays a supporting role. This means ensuring good working conditions, the right materials and a clear schedule. An organisation that takes safety seriously does not only show this in policy or statistics, but also in daily actions and by encouraging managers to give genuine attention to this in the workplace.
Managers must set a good example and actively promote safety. This means that they must give employees the time and space to carry out their work safely, without taking shortcuts. Sometimes this means that a job takes a little longer, but that is always better than an accident.
A work culture where safety is paramount begins with the behaviour of the people themselves. In our sector, we work with professionals who must make considered decisions. The beauty of people is that we often recognise danger and can adapt ourselves to the situation. On the other hand, we also have free will and can make other choices as may be described in the work instruction or procedure. That is where behaviour and intrinsic motivation come in. The behaviour we all show in a group or the level we all achieve when it comes to working safely and professionally determines the work culture.
In this, we must help each other stay alert and keep an eye on this. This can be as simple as asking someone how they are doing. Does a colleague look tired or distracted? Ask them about it. Sometimes a small gesture, such as a pat on the back or a brief conversation, is enough to make you aware of the situation. Because when you are not fully focused, small mistakes can have major consequences.
Motivation is one of the most important aspects of working safely. Without motivation, attention levels drop and risks increase. In our sector, where work is often complex and risky, it is essential that everyone remains alert. But let's be honest: no one is 100% motivated and focused every day. And that's not possible. Sometimes there are problems at home, you are tired or your mind is elsewhere. Yet it is crucial to always prioritise your safety, despite these challenges. You know yourself best, your gut feeling should tell you when you could do something better or not.
Every day, we all try to work safely. This starts with work preparation and preliminary discussions, but also with calling each other to account for behaviour. Because safety is not only an individual responsibility; it is a joint effort. Where we help each other, which also means calling each other to account for safe or unsafe behaviour or situations.
“Safety is not a choice you make afterwards,
but a priority you set beforehand”
Photo: Van Oord
My name is Ivo Muller and I have been working for Van Oord Dredging & Marine Contractors since 2011. And I have been the Safety Culture Manager for a year now. My main task? Leading our Behaviour Based Safety Programme, better known as Say Yes to Safety. This programme focuses on stimulating safe behaviour in the workplace. Not just by imposing rules, but by creating awareness and motivating people.
I am lucky that I can focus on the safety culture full-time. Together with my team, we work daily on strengthening the safety mentality within our company. Safety is not a static concept; it is something that you must continue to actively and consciously integrate into your daily work. But how do you stay motivated yourself? And why are motivation and concentration so crucial when it comes to working safely?
Do you have ideas or miss certain information on our website? Let us know! You can easily indicate what you would like to see added via the form on veiligwerkenopzee.nl. Whether it's additional videos, specific topics, or other resources - we would love to hear your suggestions. That way, together we can make the website even better and make sure you always have access to the information you need. Thanks for your input!
Photo: Van Oord
“You don't compete on safety – it is in everyone's interest”
Motivation and safety are inextricably linked. Without motivation there is no alertness, and without alertness there is no safety. It is our joint task to keep each other sharp and to create a working environment in which everyone returns home safely every day. Say Yes to Safety is not just a slogan; it is a mentality that we strive for and maintain together.
In addition, Veilig Werken op Zee offers free materials to start the conversation about safety and to help make your workplace safer. This is especially valuable for small businesses that do not have the knowledge in-house. By making these materials available, everyone can use them and contribute to a safer working environment.
Although motivation must come from the people themselves, the organisation plays a supporting role. This means ensuring good working conditions, the right materials and a clear schedule. An organisation that takes safety seriously does not only show this in policy or statistics, but also in daily actions and by encouraging managers to give genuine attention to this in the workplace.
Managers must set a good example and actively promote safety. This means that they must give employees the time and space to carry out their work safely, without taking shortcuts. Sometimes this means that a job takes a little longer, but that is always better than an accident.
A work culture where safety is paramount begins with the behaviour of the people themselves. In our sector, we work with professionals who must make considered decisions. The beauty of people is that we often recognise danger and can adapt ourselves to the situation. On the other hand, we also have free will and can make other choices as may be described in the work instruction or procedure. That is where behaviour and intrinsic motivation come in. The behaviour we all show in a group or the level we all achieve when it comes to working safely and professionally determines the work culture.
In this, we must help each other stay alert and keep an eye on this. This can be as simple as asking someone how they are doing. Does a colleague look tired or distracted? Ask them about it. Sometimes a small gesture, such as a pat on the back or a brief conversation, is enough to make you aware of the situation. Because when you are not fully focused, small mistakes can have major consequences.
Motivation is one of the most important aspects of working safely. Without motivation, attention levels drop and risks increase. In our sector, where work is often complex and risky, it is essential that everyone remains alert. But let's be honest: no one is 100% motivated and focused every day. And that's not possible. Sometimes there are problems at home, you are tired or your mind is elsewhere. Yet it is crucial to always prioritise your safety, despite these challenges. You know yourself best, your gut feeling should tell you when you could do something better or not.
Every day, we all try to work safely. This starts with work preparation and preliminary discussions, but also with calling each other to account for behaviour. Because safety is not only an individual responsibility; it is a joint effort. Where we help each other, which also means calling each other to account for safe or unsafe behaviour or situations.
“Safety is not a choice you make afterwards,
but a priority you set beforehand”
Photo: Van Oord
Foto: Van Oord
Foto: Van Oord
My name is Ivo Muller and I have been working for Van Oord Dredging & Marine Contractors since 2011. And I have been the Safety Culture Manager for a year now. My main task? Leading our Behaviour Based Safety Programme, better known as Say Yes to Safety. This programme focuses on stimulating safe behaviour in the workplace, not just by imposing rules, but by creating awareness and motivating people.
I am lucky that I can focus on the safety culture full-time. Together with my team, we work daily on strengthening the safety mentality within our company. Safety is not a static concept; it is something that you must continue to actively and consciously integrate into your daily work. But how do you stay motivated yourself? And why are motivation and concentration so crucial when it comes to working safely?
Do you have ideas or miss certain information on our website? Let us know! You can easily indicate what you would like to see added via the form on veiligwerkenopzee.nl. Whether it's additional videos, specific topics, or other resources - we would love to hear your suggestions. That way, together we can make the website even better and make sure you always have access to the information you need. Thanks for your input!
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