Improving safety culture understanding using a computerized learning environment

Cram, Robert and Sime, Julie-Ann (2014) Improving safety culture understanding using a computerized learning environment. In: CIB W099 International Conference : Achieving Sustainable Construction Health and Safety. UNSPECIFIED, Lund, Sweden, pp. 14-25. ISBN 9789176230053

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a safety culture training tool, a novel approach to providing management with the knowledge to measure and evaluate their organisation’s safety culture through the use of a Safety Culture Learning Environment (SCLE). The SCLE reproduces the outputs of a fictitious oil company of c. 1000 people over a 5 year period. Running on a bank of 16 computers and with the data presented to the participants on a video wall, the SCLE provides the attendees with the opportunity to address a broad range of safety culture related issues. Participants learn how to interpret and fit together the various pieces of the safety culture jigsaw. Armed with these new insights, they are much better equipped to obtain a clearer picture of the safety culture of their own organisations. Playing the role of CEO, the participants interact, through the SCLE’s built-in email system, with their virtual departmental “management team”. Similarly, responding to questions from, and providing reports to, the “board of directors” are also a part of the educational experience. At the end of the 8 hour session, participants will have gained not only 5 years’ worth of safety culture “exposure” but will have the skill set required to significantly improve safety culture in their own organisations.