Methods to influence change in home safety

This paper focuses on methods to influence change in the safety market of today; taking it from one that has historically focused on meeting construction safety codes, to one that has the desire to exceed construction safety codes. A change in our markets, on a corporate and individual level, is needed to a degree that structure owners are motivated to increase the level of safety within the structure or in the design of a new structure that exceeds existing safety codes. This paper presents two paths through which corporations and individuals could be influenced to shift their prioritization toward exceeding existing safety standards. The first path is through realizing incentives for going above and beyond when it comes to safety. The second path includes marketing campaigns directed toward individuals based on the psychological variables surrounding behavior change. This paper will describe the factors needed to consider when following those two paths. It will also review the success that the green sustainability market has experienced through understanding of the background behind Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). To some degree, these two programs can be used as a blueprint for a similar movement around safety. Many structures have been positively impacted by sustainable designs that also benefit the environment, the economy and well being of many. It has taken an international presence and safety must do the same. The goal and end result of such a program/movement in the safety market would help to reduce the number of lives lost and the financial impact of fires, natural disasters, electrocutions and other events that occur each year.