In high-risk industries such as oil and gas, construction, mining, and aviation, the terms “safety” and “risk management” are often used interchangeably.

However, while they are closely related, they are not the same.

This distinction raises a crucial question for boards and leaders:

Should safety be the primary focus, or is risk management the broader priority that also encompasses safety?

This inquiry encourages leadership to re-examine their strategic priorities, ensuring they align with both immediate safety concerns and long-term risk management objectives.

Understanding the nuances between these concepts is vital for driving operational success and safeguarding all stakeholders involved.

Safety is fundamentally about protecting employees, reducing accidents, and ensuring a secure work environment.

It involves implementing strict protocols and fostering a culture where safety is second nature.

On the other hand, risk management takes a more comprehensive approach, identifying, assessing, and mitigating a range of risks, including financial, operational, and reputational risks, to achieve broader organisational goals.

In Part 2, we will be discussing whether safety should be a standalone priority or integrated into a broader risk management strategy.

What are your thought and views? Comments below please…….

Richard Nanton FRAeS FIoL
Nanton Aviation Consultancy/Carbon NetZero Ltd
Nanton Aviation Consulting (NAC) Ltd.

In collaboration with and strategic partner of The Sixsess Consultancy

Barry Eustance CMgr MCMI
https://sixsess.org/
Tel:023 8212 1891 (UK)

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