David Cant

Humanising risk management for construction SMEs. Safety professional - more coach than referee. Bald by design, bearded by choice, and fuelled by curiosity.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Leadership walk-arounds only work if leaders ask different questions.

“Is everything safe?” gets you “yes.”

“What's the hardest part of doing this job safely?” gets you a better chance of the truth.

The question determines the answer.

Choose wisely.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

People don’t need perfect leaders. They need leaders who make it safe to be human.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

During a client Teams call today, an employee paused at AOB and asked, “Is this the right forum to admit I’ve made a mistake?” The director didn't even hesitate, “Go for it, no blame culture here.” That was psychological safety in action.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

During a client Teams call today, an employee paused at AOB and asked, “Is this the right forum to admit I’ve made a mistake?” The director didn't even hesitate, “Go for it, no blame culture here.” That was psychological safety in action.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@PaulKoigi You're right RTA is now RTC (Crash or collision)

[David Cant @davidgcant]

The term "accident" should be retired from safety.

Accidents imply randomness. Chance. Bad luck.

Most incidents are the predictable result of known conditions that nobody fixed.

Call it what it is: a preventable event.

And then ask who had the power to prevent it.

[Global Safety Directory @PPEorg]

Managers ⤵️

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Time for a hydration break.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

No rushing tasks this week, please & thank you.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

The “Swiss Cheese Model” isn't just a diagram.

It's a reminder that no single person, rule, or barrier keeps workers safe.

Safety is a system property - not a personal one.

When the holes line up, it's never just one slice of cheese that failed.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Standing in the kitchen, my wife said I needed to stop treating every conversation like a safety debrief.

I told her I’d take that on board and we’d revisit it in the next conversation.

She left the room.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@BuyEnglishMade The Thames tunnel was his father Marc Brunel’s project with young Isambard assisting before taking on his own landmark works.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Still a genius though.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@Marimuthujegan Does this help? https://t.co/G288sByt48

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Great device to ensure contractors attach their harness when operating the cherry picker… the site manager said they’ve already found a workaround. 🤦‍♂️

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@stendec6 Yes, sounds like a similar system.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@3am_rou_che What would be a reason the worker doesn't listen to directions? Communication? Unclear? Confusing? Difficult to follow?

[David Cant @davidgcant]

There's no such thing as "operator error."

There's:
→ Inadequate training
→ Confusing procedures
→ Poor interface design
→ High workload + time pressure
→ Missing feedback loops

Fix the system. Not the worker.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Guess who did the risk assessment…

[HS2 Ltd @HS2ltd]

HS2 engineers are ready to start installing the roof beams on a new box structure that will span both carriageways of the M42 near Solihull. 🏗️

This summer, 175 roof beams weighing up to 92 tonnes will be lifted into place, resting on 10-metre-high supporting walls.

To install the first beams, the M42 will be closed from 9pm Friday 26 June to 5am Monday 29 June J5A to J7 (northbound) and J6 to J7 (southbound).

For more information visit https://t.co/X0Ombj8vLw

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@asctty Yes

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@asctty Similar, this device stops the machine from starting unless a harness is attached.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

Hold up!

Before you start work today, remember this: rushing, frustration, fatigue, and complacency drive 99% of the incidents no one sees coming.

[David Cant @davidgcant]

@Pavan17945466 Indeed, but not shortcut proof though..