Launched in 2019, the BE SAFE programme is BESIX's initiative to promote safety through a positive, behavioural approach. Over the years, it has underscored the critical roles of empowerment and mutual support at the worksite in ensuring workplace safety. This innovative programme engages ambassadors—trained volunteers from the site staff—dedicated to championing safety culture.
In theory
Rooted in the awareness of risk, BE SAFE operates on the fundamental belief that team members must vigilantly protect one another. Across our group, 500 BE SAFE Ambassadors are currently safeguarding their teams' well-being, with the programme actively implemented on 31 sites. These ambassadors take on the responsibility of being exceptionally attentive to workplace safety, striving to inspire and motivate their peers to prioritize the collective safety. They are tasked with monitoring daily activities and engaging colleagues whenever they notice actions that do not meet safety standards.
BE SAFE stands as one of our four cornerstone safety principles, in tandem with the 10 Life Saving Rules, Management Safety Walks, and Subcontractors Engagement. Its goal is to perpetually elevate safety standards on sites, complementing other established safety measures like the efforts of HSE coordinators or audits. Together, these initiatives forge a comprehensive safety framework, aiming for an environment where safety is not just a policy, but a shared value and a way of life.
And in practice!
Ariane Larbalestrier, HSE coordinator on the RTBF site in Brussels, where BESIX is building the new headquarters for the national French-language television channel: "The idea is to work directly with site workers who volunteer to be ambassadors. They receive training which enables them to address colleagues more effectively. We explain to them how to deal with a safety concern, how to engage in sympathetic dialogue, and how to listen, without getting into conflict.”
Regular meetings are organised with the ambassadors and site supervisors, during which they can share their experiences, positive or negative, give feedback, and learn from each other. Key safety messages are shared, as well as safety audit results or accident figures.
Emmanuel Ravzan, in charge of the ‘gyproc-plastering’ team at the RTBF site: "As an ambassador, I pay close attention to safety, making sure that workers wear their helmets and safety glasses when working with a grinder, for example, and that they use scaffolding rather than ladders or stepladders. Beyond the fact that it's my role to point out any instances of non-compliance, as an ambassador I apply the BE SAFE programme as an awareness-raising tool. BE SAFE creates a climate of mutual support, the aim being for everyone to feel involved when it comes to safety."
Ready to help raise safety awareness within your team? Join as a BE SAFE ambassador! Reach out to your local HSE coordinator or site supervisor today.
