Making safety a culture, not just a rule

Having observed safety hazards at previous construction sites, this lead WSH coordinator now wants to make a difference

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Having been away from his home state of Andhra Pradesh in India for 15 years, nothing makes Mr Manda Ravikumar happier than his nightly phone calls with family.

But the father of a two-year-old boy and a four-year-old girl does not just speak to his own family. He also answers overseas calls from his coworkers' little ones, assuring them that their fathers are safe on site and will return their calls after work.

At daily toolbox meetings where his team discusses safety issues before starting work, workers also share family photos. This is part of the "Your Family Needs You" campaign, which Mr Ravikumar introduced at construction company BBR Piling.

"This reminds us that every worker has a family and that everyone deserves to return home safely and in good health," says Mr Ravikumar, 37, who has been with the company for four years. He is the lead workplace safety and health (WSH) coordinator.

"Carrying family photos motivates us to always put safety first. Staying safe is not just a rule, it's a culture we live by."