Safety > The safety programme (MAD)

MAD - Making A Difference
The MAD behavioural change programme was developed in-house by our BISHE team after safety statistics levelled out - in line with what happens in other construction companies. The team knew it needed to tackle a barrier to further improve safety performance.

Conscious and unconscious actions
MAD is based on understanding how the human mind works - how 'conscious' and 'unconscious' actions impact on behaviour.

While most people understand that human beings consciously take risks, it comes as a surprise to many to learn that we all spend a proportion of every hour in alpha sleep (on 'autopilot'). Everyone can probably think of occasions when time and circumstances passed them by - in a meeting, while driving, or watching television, for example.

MAD explains that most avoidable incidents occur when an individual consciously (deliberately) or unconsciously (while on autopilot) chooses to do the wrong thing.

Empowering people
The programme encourages and empowers people to do the right things by taking three simple actions - do it themselves (Lead by example), help others (Walk over), and think prior to acting (Take 10).

A team of internal MAD coaches (including foremen, supervisors and managers) has been trained up to deliver the programme. It is virtually paperless, devoid of technical and legal jargon and delivered in 15-20 minute briefing sessions arranged as part of the working day.

Promoting MAD
The primary (and most effective) method for promoting the programme is face-to-face discussions but , in addition, a MAD brand has been developed.

Team briefs, posters, magazines, stickers on hard hats - and even a stress ball - all carry the MAD brand in a bid to keep the campaign to the fore in people's minds. MAD is also promoted via May Gurney News (our employee newsletter) and our Intranet.

MAD is a positive programme - it's about helping people understand the issues and then encouraging them to make the right choices. By involving and empowering the workforce, MAD can bring about a change in culture very quickly.

Following the success of MAD safety, the MAD programme was developed to help deliver May Gurney's occupational health and environmental objectives.