There is a great deal of work organizations need to go through to change Employee Health and Safety (EHS) from simple compliance to a deeply ingrained culture of safety. We spoke with Vince Vlaminck, a seasoned leader at Kautex, on the Accelerating Operational Performance podcast. With over three decades of experience, Vince has navigated the complexities of EHS, witnessing its evolution firsthand.
You can watch the full podcast episode here or listen to it here to learn about his early days in HR, where EHS was an embedded responsibility, to his current role as Director of Employee Health and Safety at Kautex. Vince brings refreshing ideas to the table that will help businesses stay ahead of new challenges and embrace opportunities that make employees happier and more productive.
“People are only breaking the rules because they want to do a good job for the company, for the most part. They’re not breaking the rules to promote themselves; they think it’s the right thing to do in order to achieve what they need to do.”
From Punitive Measures to Proactive Problem-Solving
Vince has witnessed a shift in how organizations approach workplace safety. In the past, the common mindset was often punitive, focusing on penalizing employees for safety violations. However, this approach is limited by its counterproductivity.
Employees who circumvent safety protocols are often not acting out of malice or negligence but rather attempting to navigate obstacles or inefficiencies within their work processes. Punishing such behavior can create a culture of fear and concealment, making it difficult to identify and resolve underlying safety risks.
In contrast to traditional punitive measures, a proactive, problem-solving approach to EHS is much better. It requires a deeper dive to uncover the root causes behind safety violations, recognizing them as potential indicators of underlying systemic issues. Shifting the focus from assigning blame to identifying and rectifying these root causes means organizations will create a safer and more productive work environment.
Another positive outcome is the cultural change you will see! Employees will feel empowered to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Organizations can tap into frontline knowledge and experience by actively involving employees in the process of identifying and implementing solutions, which also fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for safety.
Not only will you improve safety by addressing the root causes of safety issues, but organizations can also enhance productivity and employee morale. Eliminating inefficiencies, streamlining processes, and creating a more positive and supportive work environment all contribute to a more engaged and motivated workforce.
Key Insight: Moving away from punitive measures and embracing a culture of problem-solving and employee empowerment, organizations can create a sustainable safety culture that benefits both individuals and the company.
Strategy: Instead of focusing on blame, investigate the underlying reasons behind safety violations by analyzing equipment malfunctions, process bottlenecks, or inadequate training.
Impact: Organizations will move beyond mere compliance and create a sustainable safety culture that benefits both employees and the company’s bottom line.
Operational Excellence: The Foundation for Safety and Quality
Vince breaks down the core principles of operational excellence—5S, TPM, standardized work, and supportive management—each fundamental to achieving both safety and quality goals. He emphasizes that these practices are not just theoretical concepts but practical tools that can be implemented in any workplace to drive significant improvements.
- 5S (or 6S, incorporating Safety)
5S, or 6S now that we are incorporating Safety, is about creating an organized and efficient workplace where everything has its place, reducing waste and improving workflow. It is foundational for any business or industry and can be applied universally to boost productivity and safety. The most successful workplaces excel at 5S/6S implementation.
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)
Through proactive maintenance and employee involvement, TPM focuses on preventing equipment breakdowns and failures. This minimizes safety risks and contributes to higher-quality output.
- Standardized Work
Standardized work involves establishing clear and repeatable task procedures to reduce variability, improve quality, and enhance safety by minimizing the risk of errors. It emphasizes consistency, but it does not have to be monotonous. Instead, standardized work can involve employees in refining processes, fostering ownership and continuous improvement. This engagement encourages employees to take pride in their work and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
- Supportive Management
Effective management involves understanding the challenges faced by frontline employees and working collaboratively to find solutions rather than resorting to blaming individuals. Management’s role is to remove obstacles and create a supportive environment where employees can focus on doing their jobs safely and efficiently. This creates a sense of accountability and empowerment, allowing employees to take ownership of their work. By lessening the burden on employees, management enhances job satisfaction, reduces stress, and promotes a positive work culture.
Integrating Soft Skills and Operational Excellence
Beyond technical tools and processes, soft skills training plays a critical role in achieving operational excellence and safety goals. For teams to run smoothly, leaders must understand that leadership, communication, and motivation are needed to create a culture where employees are engaged and empowered to contribute to a safe and productive workplace.
The Power of Predictability
Establishing a predictable cadence in operations is key to achieving a balance between productivity and employee well-being. Organizations can minimize chaos and surprises by implementing standardized work, proactive maintenance (TPM), and effective leadership, leading to a more stable work environment. This not only improves safety and quality but also enhances employee morale and work-life balance. It allows organizations to anticipate and adapt to fluctuations in demand and staffing rather than constantly reacting to them.
A proactive and planned approach to operations, where stability and predictability are the foundation, fosters a thriving safety culture and a productive, engaged workforce. In order to create a harmonious and successful work environment, this strategy corresponds with merging operational excellence, soft skills, and safety.
Key Insight: Predictability and stability in operations are essential for a positive work environment and employee well-being.
Strategy: Implement tools like standardized work and TPM and foster effective leadership to create a predictable cadence that reduces uncertainty and empowers employees.
Impact: This strategy improves safety, quality, and employee morale, as well as a better work-life balance. It also allows organizations to anticipate and adapt to fluctuations in demand and staffing rather than constantly reacting to them.
Engaging the Next Generation: Talent, Mentorship, and Meaningful Work
The younger generation has immense talent and tech-savvyness. Vince compares their skills to those of previous generations as “light years above.”
However, he also recognizes the need to bridge the gap between technical proficiency and practical application. To truly harness the potential of these young workers, we need to provide them with opportunities to understand the real-world impact of their work and contribute meaningfully to projects.
Many organizations today lack sufficient mentoring capacity, particularly in remote work environments. He observes that young professionals and interns often find themselves idle or underutilized due to mentors’ limited bandwidth. This not only hinders the development of these individuals but also represents a missed opportunity for the organization.
Vince suggests structured mentorship programs and dedicated mentors who can provide guidance and support to young workers. He advocates for a balance between challenging assignments and providing adequate support to ensure their success. By engaging young professionals in problem-solving teams, workshops, and other collaborative initiatives, organizations can foster a sense of ownership and purpose, which are key drivers of motivation and retention. While competitive compensation remains important, he argues that a fulfilling and supportive work environment can be equally, if not more, effective in attracting and retaining top talent.
“The world goes from black and white when you first start your career, and then you start seeing shades of grey. And then in those shades of grey, we are trying to use a pragmatic approach to understand what it is we’re trying to achieve and what the win-win is that we can achieve, especially in HR or in EHS between employees and management.”
Reflecting on his journey, Vince shares a valuable lesson learned in leadership: the importance of adapting one’s style to the individual and the situation. He admits that, at times, he underestimated the need for continued coaching and guidance, even when delegating projects to capable individuals.
Even experienced team members may require specific guidance and support to succeed, especially when tackling new challenges or projects. While empowering individuals to take ownership is crucial, striking the right balance between autonomy and support is key.
This is the concept of situational leadership, where leaders adjust their approach based on the individual’s competence and commitment level. It reminds us that effective leadership is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Instead, it requires a nuanced understanding of each team member’s needs and the ability to provide the appropriate direction and support.
Key Insight: Organizations face challenges in providing adequate mentorship, particularly in remote settings, leading to underutilization of young talent and missed development opportunities.
Strategy: Establish structured mentorship programs and engage young professionals in problem-solving teams and workshops.
Impact: Providing meaningful work and growth opportunities enhances employee engagement, development, and retention, creating a supportive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
Vince encourages young professionals who want to grow in their positions to embrace mobility and diverse experiences early in their careers, particularly when they have fewer personal commitments. He acknowledges that the freedom to relocate and take on different assignments often diminishes as personal responsibilities grow.
However, he also cautions against constantly jumping from one role to another. It is good for development to see projects through to completion and understand their long-term impact. He says that to make a real difference that lasts longer than any one person; we need to make these ideas part of who we are as a company. They need to be more than just something we do—they need to be part of our DNA.
This advice resonates with the idea of leadership as stewardship. It is not just about personal advancement but also about leaving a positive legacy and contributing to the organization’s long-term success. By balancing the pursuit of new experiences with a commitment to seeing projects through, aspiring leaders can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling and impactful career.
Key Insight: Early career mobility and diverse experiences are invaluable for professional growth, but commitment to projects is crucial for lasting impact and stewardship.
Strategy: Embrace diverse experiences early, balance exploration with commitment, and embed positive leadership principles into the organization’s culture.
Impact: A fulfilling career, cultivating a sense of stewardship and creating a lasting legacy.
People First: Building a Sustainable and Fulfilling Workplace
Vince’s insights and experiences in EHS leadership offer a refreshing and practical roadmap for organizations seeking to elevate their safety culture and operational excellence. It is about moving beyond mere compliance and embracing a proactive, problem-solving approach that empowers employees and fosters a sense of shared responsibility. Vince’s emphasis on operational excellence tools, coupled with his recognition of the importance of soft skills and mentorship, underscores the holistic nature of effective leadership in today’s workplace.
His wisdom extends to the next generation of leaders, encouraging them to embrace diverse experiences while remaining committed to projects and leaving a lasting legacy. Vince’s journey exemplifies the power of adaptability, mentorship, and the pursuit of win-win solutions in navigating EHS and leadership. His insights serve as a reminder that genuine care for people and a collaborative spirit remain at the heart of a thriving and sustainable organization.
In an era of rapid change and evolving challenges, Vince’s down-to-earth, pragmatic approach to leadership offers a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to make a positive impact in their workplaces and communities.
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