Overview

Safety has been a well-established priority for our sector for many years.  Within the UK we have developed standards and produced guidance for road building and maintenance that have set a high benchmark for those working in the sector.  These standards and specifications are built into contracts to monitor and measure progress and performance. 

But what about beyond the tick-box exercise?  Having these standards and guidance is positive, but is there the danger that they create a ‘that will do’ attitude and we stop short of achieving all the potential positive outcomes that come from nurturing a safety culture for the sector, both for now and for future years?

From the recent shortlisted CIHT awards submissions we learn that many have succeeded when teams adopt collaborative actions:

“If a collaborative approach was taken between all stakeholders, the target dates were achievable.”

“The timescale was only possible due to the excellent team working and collaboration.”

“An effective solution can be delivered, if all stakeholders work together with a shared objective.”

“Designed around the needs of multiple stakeholders.”

“To meet objectives, the teams collaborated to design an all-inclusive and efficiently managed method.”

The discussion for this Forum will cover:

• The importance of collaboration in creating a safety culture
• Benefits derived through collaboration at each stage from design to the road user experience
• The considerations on resource and cash versus positive outcomes and actual deliverables