Pack your own parachute - Individual ownership and responsibility of safety principles

This paper presents the experiences of one construction contractor in the evolution of a sustainable electrical safety culture. The focus of the paper is on defining the values that drive safe decisions and actions. A culture change is not sustainable until the driving values are shared among members. Internal and external relationships are mentioned as they relate to both shared and differing values. A thriving culture stimulates creativity and innovation. Management and individuals are responsible to take action for safety. It is those actions, more than words that reflect institutional values. Individual ownership and responsibility of safety principles applies in the same way the principal of packing your own parachute does. Ownership of safety principles by every person is critical.