Innovative solutions for a global safety culture strategy

Globalization has reshaped the business landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges for organizations worldwide. Despite the undeniable advantages of expanded market reach, greater cost efficiency and access to diverse talent pools, operating across multiple global locations exposes companies to various risks, including regulatory disparities and cultural differences, that impact their safety culture. With work-related incidents claiming 1.2 million lives annually worldwide*, addressing these risks should be our highest priority. This article shares real-world examples of how global organizations are tackling these safety culture challenges through innovative, technology-led strategies.

Case study #1: Overcoming safety culture challenges through innovative solutions

Our first case study is a global communications infrastructure company facing a rise in fatalities among its contractor workforce. Initially, leadership perceived this as a supplier problem and focused on technical and process-based Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) improvements. However, they soon recognized the need to create a robust internal safety leadership culture.

The organization’s vision was to create an aligned safety culture that could be embraced at every level, from senior leaders to front line workers. Yet, operating in remote locations with varying safety conditions, cultural norms, and regulatory frameworks posed significant hurdles.

Collaborating with JMJ, the organization developed tailored online safety workshops delivered in multiple languages, initially targeting senior leaders. The safety approach evolved to address region-specific challenges, ensuring adaptability and engaging contractors and their workers in the process. This innovative solution proved environmentally sustainable, cost-effective, resource-efficient, and measurable—underscoring that physical distance need not stand in the way of a commitment to safety. Read the full story.

Case study #2: A standardized, flexible safety leadership approach

In another client story, a globally recognized project delivery company started its transformation journey by gaining a comprehensive understanding of its existing safety culture. In partnership with JMJ, they developed a safety leadership approach, delivered through video sessions supported by online resources covering critical topics relating to safety, leadership, and culture. Additionally, in partnership with University of Cambridge Ph.D. students, JMJ developed a Safety Leadership Characteristics Survey to initiate meaningful conversations and develop self-awareness.

Interaction was virtual, with participants encouraged to apply acquired practices and skills to their daily communications. This standardized yet personalized approach enabled scalability and customization to suit different organizational cohorts. This made it easier to create a consistent safety message and culture while enabling progress measurement. Read the full story.

Embrace innovation for a safer future

By successfully addressing safety challenges across diverse locations through innovative means, these organizations offer valuable lessons. Leveraging technology for enhanced connectivity prioritizing cross-cultural communication and understanding, and investing in tailored safety leadership approaches can create a culture where every voice is heard, and every worker goes home safely.

As organizational culture takes center stage, let’s start a conversation about effective ways of engaging with our people to create workplaces that are safer, more sustainable and high performing. We invite you to share your insights, questions and challenges. Contact us.

*As reported by the International Labor Office