Pearson aims for best-in-class safety culture

A new plan is in the works that will draw on the best ideas from aviation and other industries globally

Pearson is a dynamic place. Aircraft, people, vehicles and bags are always in motion. But with that activity comes risk: slips, trips and other workplace accidents are an ever-present danger. Now, with major construction on the horizon through the Pearson LIFT infrastructure program, the airport is renewing its focus on safe working practices.

Pearson has launched a review of its safety culture with the aim of becoming an industry leader. We spoke to Chief Operating Officer Khalil Lamrabet about what’s in store.

What’s happening?

We’re working with outside experts to assess our current safety culture and develop a roadmap to become best in class. We’re going beyond the quantifiable aspects of safety to focus on cultural aspects such as governance, tools, structures and how teams interact. We are already finalizing a Workplace Safety Hazard Assessment project. This will help identify risk areas so we can proactively address them before they become issues.

Why now?

We are entering a period of increasing operational complexity. With growing traffic and Pearson LIFT, we’ll be operating in a constrained environment for some time, which creates greater potential for workplace incidents. LIFT construction will add challenges with equipment and contractors at the airport. So, we must evolve our safety culture and focus on protection, control and communication.

 

What does a best-in-class safety culture look like?

It’s when people are engaged and keep safety at the top of mind in everything they do. When safety is not an afterthought or a box to be checked. It’s part of their way of working and is integrated into every project and every decision. But crucially, it’s not only words on paper, it’s seeing results in fewer incidents.

 

What will be in the safety roadmap?

I don’t want to jump to solutions at this stage. But the roadmap will help us shift from a reactive approach to a proactive one. That could involve better communication, increased awareness, stronger leadership collaboration and safety ambassadors. We’ll explore proven tactics from other industries but tailor them to our context. The goal is to produce a two-year plan that guides the implementation of these safety enhancements.

 

What can airport workers do to help?

Be vocal. Communicate the risks you see and challenges you face. Complete our regular safety surveys to tell us what you think we should be doing differently. We will also be creating listening sessions for frontline workers to share their views. But in the immediate term, one of the most important things is to ensure you’re up to date with all your mandatory safety training – there is a clear correlation between safety training and safety incidents.  

 

Sign up for Pearson’s Eye on Safety quarterly newsletter for tips on identifying and addressing common hazards.

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