Unilin further strengthens safety culture with certified safety leadership coaches
In 2019 Unilin took its safety policy to the next level with the introduction of the Zero Harm strategy. Safety leadership coaches Klaas Goddyn and Justine Bialasik made an essential contribution to this process. Following an intensive training course with international safety specialists DEKRA, they obtained the certificate of ‘internal consultant’ in late August, putting them on a par with DEKRA experts.
In a nutshell:
- Zero Harm is the term we use to describe Unilin’s safety strategy. This strategy is aimed at introducing safer practices on the factory floor and promoting a universal culture that puts safety first.
- On 22 August 2024, DEKRA awarded the certificate of ‘internal consultant’ to Unilin safety leadership coaches Klaas Goddyn and Justine Bialasik. The certificate means that their knowledge is on a par with that of DEKRA's own experts.
Based on proven research
The independent organisation DEKRA, known for vehicle inspections, also enjoys a strong reputation as experts in behavioural safety and is hired as a consultant by large companies. DEKRA’s director of consulting Jos Creemers: “We attach great importance to fostering a culture of safe behaviour. Our approach is based on proven effective methods and research from behavioural sciences.”
Klaas: “People sometimes question the methods and techniques we share with them. That is inherent to a change process. It helps when we’re able to say they’re based on scientific research.” Justine: “The tools work but to me the most important aspect of our job is making sure people know how to use them. It’s also crucial to monitor whether they are being used correctly.”
Not just a slip of paper
Issuing that certificate is so much more than handing over a slip of paper. That is why Unilin CEO Wim Messiaen is super proud of their achievement: “This is highly exceptional. In Belgium only three people have been awarded this certificate, proving that they are on the same level as DEKRA itself. Klaas and Justine are now our in-house experts and they will share their expertise within Unilin. On a management level we will ensure they can implement the necessary platforms in a timely and effective manner.”
Intensive coaching
DEKRA coach Jos Creemers also highlights how impressive the performance of Justine and Klaas really is. “I have coached them intensively these past few years. They took 19 days of intensive training, supplemented with 55 days of individual coaching on the factory floor. I am very impressed with what they have achieved. Klaas and Justine are wonderful ambassadors to help convince everyone of the importance of safe working methods. You shouldn’t underestimate how difficult that is.” Klaas adds: “It’s true, at first it was challenging to tell the people on the factory floor and their supervisors what needed to be done but that’s no longer an issue, mainly because we’ve built a great deal of confidence and people are on board with the Zero Harm narrative. Meanwhile they’ve adopted the same goals.”
Jos nods: “What they do goes beyond checking a few boxes: they also monitor the implementation of new methods and processes. It’s an essential part of reaching your goal and that’s what makes the job so interesting. Also, this certificate doesn’t signal the end of our collaboration. I will frequently check in to see how things are going and I’ll definitely drop by on occasion. The certificate is valid until 2028. This is because DEKRA is constantly involved in research and we arrive at fresh insights that we are eager to share with people like Justine and Klaas.”
The benefits of training your own staff
Large companies usually call on external consultants such as DEKRA to implement their safety strategy on the factory floor. Jos: “While this has its advantages, training internal staff to this level also has advantages of its own. Your staff are more familiar with the organisation and its people, making it easier to gain the trust of the colleagues involved. The daily follow-up with your own colleagues also becomes much easier. What seldom happens though is that companies give their staff the chance to go through the whole training programme. What Justine and Klaas have achieved is truly unique.”
Getting your audience on board
What was the biggest added value of DEKRA's coaching for Klaas and Justine? Klaas: “For me it’s the skills we’ve acquired to bring our message across.” Justine couldn’t agree more: “Understanding what Zero Harm means is one thing but getting your audience on board is another. Jos gave us numerous tips on how to successfully share our message and how we can check afterwards whether things are being put into practice. And that’s not always easy because some groups need more coaching than others.” Klaas: “With every group it’s up to us to determine which areas we need to tackle.”
They are happy with the certificate. “It means we have successfully completed all the modules. This plaque will receive a prominent place on our desk!”