Instruction S.A.F.E.

WHY – WHY THIS S.A.F.E. INITIATIVE?

The S.A.F.E. initiative is launched to strengthen the safety culture within Kekkilä-BVB. Employees are encouraged to consciously consider safety before starting any task. S.A.F.E. emphasizes that everyone is personally responsible for a safe working environment — safety starts with you.

“I only start work when it’s S.A.F.E.”

OUTCOME – WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE?

• Increased safety awareness among all employees.
• Reduction of incidents through proactive behavior.
• Consistent application of safety principles in daily operations.
• Strengthened communication about safety within teams.

WHAT – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Line managers are responsible for everything that happens in their department. They play a key role in ensuring safety, preventing incidents, and fostering a culture where employees act consciously and responsibly.

That’s why applying the S.A.F.E. framework is highly valuable: it provides a clear and practical structure that helps line managers make safety visible, discussable, and measurable — every single day.

1. Introduction and Awareness

What is expected from the line manager:

• Ensure visual reminders with the S.A.F.E. message are visible in your department.
• Repeatedly mention the slogan “I only start work when it’s SAFE” and discuss the four pillars during team meetings.
• Lead by example by actively referring to S.A.F.E. in daily conversations.

2. Explanation of the S.A.F.E. Principles

Each letter stands for a concrete action. The line manager ensures these principles are regularly discussed and applied:

S = Secure myself – I don’t put myself in danger. I know the risks (collision, fall, entrapment, electrical, fire) of my task and how to avoid them. I only perform tasks I’m authorized for, wear the correct PPE, and use proper tools. I apply LOTO and work safely at height. I know what to do in emergencies.

A = Assure environment – I ensure a safe working environment. I remove obstacles, keep the workspace clean and organized. I work on a stable and comfortable surface, keep hazardous substances at a safe distance, ensure proper lighting, and shield risky zones.

F = Foreworn others – I inform the people around me. I let bystanders know what I’m going to do and make clear agreements about safety measures. I report when I work alone.

E = Engage attentively – I work attentively and without distractions. I take regular breaks, check my work and surroundings, work at a calm pace, and stay alert. I avoid reckless behavior.

What is expected from the line manager:

• Actively discuss these principles in team meetings and toolbox sessions.
• Recognize and highlight behavior that aligns with S.A.F.E.

3. Training and Repetition

What is expected from the line manager:

• Organize short toolbox meetings focused on S.A.F.E.
• Regularly repeat the S.A.F.E. principles and integrate them into existing safety instructions.
• Ensure new employees are introduced to S.A.F.E. from day one.

 4. Monitoring and Feedback

What is expected from the line manager:

• Actively seek feedback from employees on the applicability of S.A.F.E.
• Use incidents or near misses as learning moments and discuss how S.A.F.E. could have helped.
• Track how often S.A.F.E. is applied and mentioned within the team.

5. Embedding in Culture

What is expected from the line manager:

• Integrate S.A.F.E. into onboarding for new employees.
• Link S.A.F.E. to existing safety procedures such as STOP-THINK-ACT.

Promote a culture where employees address each other on safe behavior and S.A.F.E. becomes the norm.