S.A.F.E. INSTRUCTIONS

S.A.F.E. INSTRUCTIONS

WHY THIS S.A.F.E. INIATIVE

 

The S.A.F.E. initiative is launched to strengthen the safety culture within Neova. Employees are encouraged to consciously consider safety before starting any task. S.A.F.E. emphasizes that everyone is personally responsible for a safe working environment — safety starts with you.

 

 

“I ONLY START WORK WHEN IT´S S.A.F.E.”

 

OUTCOME – WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE?

  • Increased safety awareness among all employees.
  • Reduction of incidents through proactive behavior.
  • Consistent application of safety principles in daily operations.
  • Strengthened communication about safety within teams.

 

WHAT – IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Line managers are responsible for everything that happens in their department. They play a key role in ensuring safety, preventing incidents, and fostering a culture where employees act consciously and responsibly.

That’s why applying the S.A.F.E. framework is highly valuable: it provides a clear and practical structure that helps line managers make safety visible, discussable, and measurable — every single day.

EXPLANATION OF THE S.A.F.E. PRINCIPLES

Each letter stands for a concrete action. The line manager ensures these principles are regularly discussed and applied:

S = Secure myself – I don’t put myself in danger. I know the risks (collision, fall, entrapment, electrical, fire) of my task and how to avoid them. I only perform tasks I’m authorized for, wear the correct PPE, and use proper tools. I apply LOTO and work safely at height. I know what to do in emergencies.

A = Assure environment – I ensure a safe working environment. I remove obstacles, keep the workspace clean and organized. I work on a stable and comfortable surface, keep hazardous substances at a safe distance, ensure proper lighting, and shield risky zones.

F = Foreworn others – I inform the people around me. I let bystanders know what I’m going to do and make clear agreements about safety measures. I report when I work alone.

E = Engage attentively – I work attentively and without distractions. I take regular breaks, check my work and surroundings, work at a calm pace, and stay alert. I avoid reckless behavior.

What is expected from the line manager

  • Actively discuss these principles in team meetings and toolbox sessions.
  • Recognize and highlight behavior that aligns with S.A.F.E.

INTRODUCTION AND AWARENESS

What is expected from the line manager

  • Ensure visual reminders with the S.A.F.E. message are visible in your department.
  • Repeatedly mention the slogan “I only start work when it’s SAFE” and discuss the four pillars during team meetings.
  • Lead by example by actively referring to S.A.F.E. in daily conversations.

 

TRAINING AND REPETITION

That is expected from the line manager

  • Organize short toolbox meetings focused on S.A.F.E.
  • Regularly repeat the S.A.F.E. principles and integrate them into existing safety instructions.
  • Ensure new employees are introduced to S.A.F.E. from day one.

MONITORING AND FEEDBACK

What is expected from the line manager

  • Actively seek feedback from employees on the applicability of S.A.F.E.
  • Use incidents or near misses as learning moments and discuss how S.A.F.E. could have helped.
  • Track how often S.A.F.E. is applied and mentioned within the team.

EMBEDDING IN CULTURE

What is expected from the line manager

  • Integrate S.A.F.E. into onboarding for new employees.
  • Link S.A.F.E. to existing safety procedures such as STOP-THINK-ACT.

Promote a culture where employees address each other on safe behavior and S.A.F.E. becomes the norm.