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Helmut’s current role with ISSA Mining is a continuation of his work and expertise as a labour inspector, where he began his career in prevention. “I was educated as a labour inspector, there is a dual system in Germany – inspectors from the German Social Accident Insurance Institution, in addition to government inspectors. I worked as labour inspector for more than 35 years, culminating in my role as Head of Prevention”.
The ISSA Mining Section, for which Helmut is President, has around 150 members from across the globe. “ISSA Mining”, Helmut says “acts globally on a non-profit basis and cares for safety, health, and wellbeing in mining, connecting stakeholders who are sharing passion, responsibility and professional interest in occupation safety and health for mining. And I’ve been fortunate to be able to implement the new VISION ZERO strategy here in Germany, and across the globe”.
Helmut never thought he would be starting a movement. “I was always focused on inspections, visiting sites every year, but always identifying the same issues. I wondered; how can I make it more sustainable? So, we created a long list of innovative activities in the prevention sector, initially in Germany, then globally and built the idea from there”. When asked if he thought he would be still involved with VISION ZERO in retirement – “I never had that in mind, but it is important, so here I am”.
When talking about prevention and the seven golden rules he developed, Helmut believes it’s a mistake to focus on experts only. “It allows leaders the opportunity to delegate away from their own responsibilities”. And taking action is everyone’s responsibility. “All leaders, starting with the boardroom, the CEO, then going down to the frontline managers have the key, it’s whether they use it or not”. Under Helmut’s thinking, a movement requires knowledge that is accessible, and which can be easily understood by all. “One of the successes of VISION ZERO and the seven golden rules is that you don’t need to be an expert to understand what they mean, they work with any national legislation”.
Building a risk prevention system that was easily adaptable and scalable for many industries, not just mining, has always been his focus. “The rules are a concept to translate standards and regulations, and if you think it will improve safety, go beyond the standards. You don’t need to be a legislative expert to navigate the rules and VISION ZERO”.
For Helmut, this couldn’t be more applicable to small and micro-businesses (SMBs) who often do not have the financial freedom to engage such experts. Through his work in the mining sector, he has seen successful business-to-business support of SMBs which “created greater sharing of OSH resources and training. Inviting a smaller business to join your OSH training may make all the difference for safety in not just the business, but the broader community”. Making OSH training available to all, through these connections “provides increased access, more sharing, increased levels of health and safety, which then impacts on society and the environment”.
Empowering individuals as early as possible, with access to safety, health and wellbeing education is also on Helmut’s radar when thinking about accessible and scalable prevention information and resources. “Firstly, safety alone is not enough, we must include health and wellbeing as well”. He then asserts that OSH training shouldn’t start when you first join the workforce. “We must start OSH training in school; OSH motivation and mindset needs to be integrated into every curriculum”. From what age? Helmut is emphatic. “From kindergarten up. Small children are very open to bringing safety messages home, think about helmets for bike riding. But then we lose them again, so it needs to be continuous throughout all levels of education and continue into the workforce”.
Looking forward to the Harm Prevention in the Mining Sector symposium at the upcoming World Congress in Sydney, Helmut wants to hear about best practice and how to make them happen on a global level. “We should be able to copy successes in prevention of harm and be open for global sharing. I’m hoping to find best practices to take home to put on the global agenda and continue to spread the knowledge”.
“It’s easy to be frustrated listening to the news, but we should be sending a different message from Sydney; that we are caring for the world, through work, health and safety education and knowledge”.
And does Helmut have any advice for someone contemplating attending the World Congress? “There are many opportunities to make new friends and colleagues, to learn and gather knowledge. The time is short, it’s inspiring, so attend the World Congress, capture ideas, and remember to keep taking steps towards better OSH, we must always keep moving forward”,
The 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work is more than just a conference; it’s a worldwide effort for health and safety at work, with symposiums available for viewing online for 3 months post the event. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of OSH history. Now is the time to register for the World Congress and join a global education effort to make our workers, professionals, and leaders safer.
