In the maritime sector, safety is of paramount importance. That is why we regularly speak to industry professionals who share their experiences, practical tips and valuable insights that help you work safely and efficiently.
Rules without support do not work
An abundance of external rules ensures compliance, but not necessarily intrinsic motivation. Safety must come from within.
Growth can dilute culture
Strong family cultures in small organisations can disappear with rapid growth. Active commitment is needed to maintain solidarity and shared values.
Not everyone feels free to speak up
In some cultures, it is difficult to address people directly. Practice giving feedback in a structured and less confrontational way. ‘Some people clam up. With the right approach, you can still get them involved.’
Go from reactive to proactive
Safety is more than just following rules. Ask yourself: What are the risks and what can I do to work safely? What can we do to manage the risks? ‘You can follow all the rules and still have accidents. Only when you think proactively about the risks can you make a difference.’
Use experiential knowledge
Work meetings are often confused with toolbox meetings. Work meetings are used to divide up the work, but toolbox meetings are used to discuss the risks and the measures to be taken. In a reverse toolbox meeting, all employees are involved and the knowledge of all employees is utilised. A reverse toolbox ensures that employees coach each other instead of a manager rattling off the dangers. This increases involvement and knowledge sharing. ‘When people explain to each other how to do something safely, it is much easier to remember and everyone feels responsible’.
Learn from cultural differences
In an international team, the safety culture is not a one-size-fits-all. Take the diversity in your team into account and adapt your approach accordingly.
Address each other effectively
Call each other to account for unsafe behaviour and be clear and firm about the behaviour, but gentle with the person. Practise how to constructively call each other to account for behaviour without attacking the person. Focus mainly on the possible consequences of the behaviour and show that you want to prevent something unpleasant from happening. ‘Not everyone is like the Dutch. But if you discuss behaviour instead of the person, it works much better."
Really listen to employees
Loss of motivation can have many causes. Ask open questions, give people space to talk and let silences fall, so that they think about their answers themselves.
For Anthony Veder, safety is not just about rules, but above all about a strong safety culture. By shifting the focus from compliance to a strong safety culture, the organisation has become more proactive and effective in preventing incidents. And remarkably, people started to ‘stick to the rules’ more because they understood their importance. Here are the most important insights about safety and motivation.
Working safely starts with motivation and awareness. But how do you keep yourself and your team focused? Here are some essential insights into motivation and safety in the workplace.
Unsafe working due to ‘just a quick job’
"The biggest mistakes happen when you think: I'll just do this quickly.’ Take the time to carry out work properly and safely, especially when time is of the essence.
Lack of support from the organisation
An employer must take safety seriously: good working conditions, the right materials and the right mentality among managers are crucial. Don't take it for granted that people know that it has to be done safely, make sure you say it!
No room for cooperation and learning
Safety is not a competitive factor. Companies can learn from each other by sharing knowledge and materials, so that everyone can make their workplace a little safer.
Make safety an integral part of the work culture
Don't just discuss safety after an incident has occurred, but integrate it into work preparations and daily meetings. Show that you sincerely consider it important by continuing to mention it.
Look out for each other and have the courage to talk
"If you see that your colleague is having a bad day, do you let it go without saying anything or do you ask if everything is okay?’ A simple question or addressing the behaviour you observe can make all the difference.
Work on a strong group atmosphere
Culture is the collective behaviour of a team. Make sure that norms and values are clear and that colleagues dare to address each other. If something is wrong, speak up.
Use common sense and the right tools
Theory is useful, but ultimately it is your gut feeling that tells you whether something feels safe. Use tools such as a ‘Last Minute Risk Assessment’ or a ‘Take 5’ to check risks before you start.
Ensure good communication, also with external parties
Working with subcontractors or new colleagues requires extra attention to safety and communication. Be professional and respectful, but make clear agreements and hold each other accountable if necessary.
Motivation in your work is essential, whether you work at sea or in an office. But how do you maintain that drive, especially in a sector that operates 24/7 and in which safety and responsibility are crucial? Here are a number of tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and keep your work interesting.
Create a strong team culture
‘People should feel valued and be part of a team.’ This not only increases motivation, but also safety.
Set a good example
Employers must show that safety and well-being are paramount. ‘If the customer exerts pressure, as a shipowner you must dare to say: no, we choose safety.’
Listen to employees
By actively maintaining a dialogue and understanding different cultures within the team, people feel heard and stay motivated for longer.
Provide variety
Routine can be disastrous for your motivation. Try to vary tasks and look for new challenges. ‘Even if you have done something 120,000 times, stay sharp and avoid becoming “sloppy”.’
Set clear goals
These can be small daily goals or larger long-term goals. ‘What do I want to achieve today? What do I want to have achieved in a year's time?’ Without goals, you lose direction and motivation.
Be alert to routine errors
The biggest accidents often happen with the most familiar tasks. ‘It is precisely in routine actions that danger lurks.’ Take the time to follow procedures properly, even when you are in a hurry.
Keep the dialogue going
Whether it concerns colleagues, managers or team members, by regularly sparring and sharing experiences, you will remain involved and inspired.
In the maritime sector, safety is of paramount importance. That is why we regularly speak to industry professionals who share their experiences, practical tips and valuable insights that help you work safely and efficiently.
Rules without support do not work
An abundance of external rules ensures compliance, but not necessarily intrinsic motivation. Safety must come from within.
Growth can dilute culture
Strong family cultures in small organisations can disappear with rapid growth. Active commitment is needed to maintain solidarity and shared values.
Not everyone feels free to speak up
In some cultures, it is difficult to address people directly. Practice giving feedback in a structured and less confrontational way. ‘Some people clam up. With the right approach, you can still get them involved.’
Go from reactive to proactive
Safety is more than just following rules. Ask yourself: What are the risks and what can I do to work safely? What can we do to manage the risks? ‘You can follow all the rules and still have accidents. Only when you think proactively about the risks can you make a difference.’
Use experiential knowledge
Work meetings are often confused with toolbox meetings. Work meetings are used to divide up the work, but toolbox meetings are used to discuss the risks and the measures to be taken. In a reverse toolbox meeting, all employees are involved and the knowledge of all employees is utilised. A reverse toolbox ensures that employees coach each other instead of a manager rattling off the dangers. This increases involvement and knowledge sharing. ‘When people explain to each other how to do something safely, it is much easier to remember and everyone feels responsible’.
Learn from cultural differences
In an international team, the safety culture is not a one-size-fits-all. Take the diversity in your team into account and adapt your approach accordingly.
Address each other effectively
Call each other to account for unsafe behaviour and be clear and firm about the behaviour, but gentle with the person. Practise how to constructively call each other to account for behaviour without attacking the person. Focus mainly on the possible consequences of the behaviour and show that you want to prevent something unpleasant from happening. ‘Not everyone is like the Dutch. But if you discuss behaviour instead of the person, it works much better."
Really listen to employees
Loss of motivation can have many causes. Ask open questions, give people space to talk and let silences fall, so that they think about their answers themselves.
For Anthony Veder, safety is not just about rules, but above all about a strong safety culture. By shifting the focus from compliance to a strong safety culture, the organisation has become more proactive and effective in preventing incidents. And remarkably, people started to ‘stick to the rules’ more because they understood their importance. Here are the most important insights about safety and motivation.
Unsafe working due to ‘just a quick job’
"The biggest mistakes happen when you think: I'll just do this quickly.’ Take the time to carry out work properly and safely, especially when time is of the essence.
Lack of support from the organisation
An employer must take safety seriously: good working conditions, the right materials and the right mentality among managers are crucial. Don't take it for granted that people know that it has to be done safely, make sure you say it!
No room for cooperation and learning
Safety is not a competitive factor. Companies can learn from each other by sharing knowledge and materials, so that everyone can make their workplace a little safer.
Make safety an integral part of the work culture
Don't just discuss safety after an incident has occurred, but integrate it into work preparations and daily meetings. Show that you sincerely consider it important by continuing to mention it.
Look out for each other and have the courage to talk
"If you see that your colleague is having a bad day, do you let it go without saying anything or do you ask if everything is okay?’ A simple question or addressing the behaviour you observe can make all the difference.
Work on a strong group atmosphere
Culture is the collective behaviour of a team. Make sure that norms and values are clear and that colleagues dare to address each other. If something is wrong, speak up.
Use common sense and the right tools
Theory is useful, but ultimately it is your gut feeling that tells you whether something feels safe. Use tools such as a ‘Last Minute Risk Assessment’ or a ‘Take 5’ to check risks before you start.
Ensure good communication, also with external parties
Working with subcontractors or new colleagues requires extra attention to safety and communication. Be professional and respectful, but make clear agreements and hold each other accountable if necessary.
Working safely starts with motivation and awareness. But how do you keep yourself and your team focused? Here are some essential insights into motivation and safety in the workplace.
Create a strong team culture
‘People should feel valued and be part of a team.’ This not only increases motivation, but also safety.
Set a good example
Employers must show that safety and well-being are paramount. ‘If the customer exerts pressure, as a shipowner you must dare to say: no, we choose safety.’
Listen to employees
By actively maintaining a dialogue and understanding different cultures within the team, people feel heard and stay motivated for longer.
Provide variety
Routine can be disastrous for your motivation. Try to vary tasks and look for new challenges. ‘Even if you have done something 120,000 times, stay sharp and avoid becoming “sloppy”.’
Set clear goals
These can be small daily goals or larger long-term goals. ‘What do I want to achieve today? What do I want to have achieved in a year's time?’ Without goals, you lose direction and motivation.
Be alert to routine errors
The biggest accidents often happen with the most familiar tasks. ‘It is precisely in routine actions that danger lurks.’ Take the time to follow procedures properly, even when you are in a hurry.
Keep the dialogue going
Whether it concerns colleagues, managers or team members, by regularly sparring and sharing experiences, you will remain involved and inspired.
Motivation in your work is essential, whether you work at sea or in an office. But how do you maintain that drive, especially in a sector that operates 24/7 and in which safety and responsibility are crucial? Here are a number of tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and keep your work interesting.