The safety maturity journey: using technology and human connection to drive progress

Abby Ferri Date published: Mar 28, 25

Once you’ve assessed your organization’s safety maturity, the next challenge is clear: how do you move to the next level? Transitioning from one stage to the next involves not only adopting new technologies but also deepening human connections that fuel a resilient safety culture. Here’s how you can leverage technology to enhance data collection and analysis, while building a culture that values human insight and collaboration.

1. Transitioning from reactive to dependent: building a foundation

At the reactive stage, organizations often address issues as they happen, lacking structured systems to prevent incidents. Moving to the dependent stage involves building a foundational system for safety that meets regulatory requirements, emphasizing consistency in reporting and data collection.

How technology helps: Compliance-focused tools can streamline reporting and ensure data is collected consistently across sites and departments. Basic safety management software can automatically track incident data, document corrective actions and generate compliance reports, establishing a reliable data flow for further decision making.

Human connection: Encourage employees to see reporting as a critical part of safety. Emphasize that each report contributes to a safer workplace and recognize individuals who actively engage in these early steps. Be transparent with data and findings as appropriate and relevant to the workforce to further engagement.

2. Moving from dependent to independent: embracing predictive analytics

At the dependent stage, safety is often seen as a necessary but isolated function. Moving to an independent approach means using data not just to meet regulations, but to prevent incidents. Predictive analytics, powered by various types of AI, can help by identifying patterns in safety data that indicate future risks.

How technology helps: AI like machine learning can analyze historical incident data, near-miss reports and environmental factors to identify trends and potential hazards. For example, wearable technology can monitor worker stress levels, alerting them and supervisors to potential risks before they escalate.

Human connection: Regularly share insights from predictive analytics with employees and involve them in problem-solving discussions. When workers understand how predictive data can prevent incidents, they are more likely to participate in data collection and embrace proactive safety measures.

3. Advancing from independent to interdependent: integrating safety into every role

A proactive organization actively prevents incidents, but in a resilient (or generative) organization, safety is a deeply embedded value. Employees at all levels understand their role in maintaining safety and feel a personal responsibility to uphold safety standards. Technology helps sustain this culture by providing data transparency and cross-functional integration.

How technology helps: Integrated safety platforms consolidate safety data and make it accessible across the organization. This transparency empowers diverse departments to see how safety impacts their roles. Additionally, AI-driven safety platforms can provide real-time feedback, automate risk assessments and keep teams informed of immediate hazards.

Human connection: Encourage cross-departmental collaboration on safety initiatives and recognize the contributions of employees who champion safety in their day-to-day roles. When every employee feels responsible for safety, they naturally embody a resilient and interdependent safety culture.

4. Practical tips for each step of the journey

1. Set clear goals: Establish safety goals for each maturity stage, such as reducing incident rates or increasing reporting consistency.
2. Invest in training: Equip employees with skills to use safety technology effectively, from basic reporting tools to advanced predictive analytics.
3. Use data as a conversation starter: Share data insights regularly to keep safety at the forefront of the organization’s culture.
4. Celebrate milestones: Recognize both small and large achievements in your journey to a mature safety culture, highlighting individual and team contributions.

Bringing it all together

A focused safety maturity journey requires both technological tools and a commitment to building a culture of safety. As you deploy technology to enhance data collection, analysis and predictive insights, remember that true safety maturity is achieved through human connection and a shared sense of purpose. Safety isn’t just about reducing incidents; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to a safe, thriving workplace.

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