Transforming Safety Leadership: Navigating Change and Fostering Influence in the Modern Workplace

dknsafetyservices
Dec 5
3 min read

Safety leadership has changed dramatically over recent decades. What used to be a role focused mainly on rules and compliance now demands strategic thinking, strong influence, and the ability to guide change. Today’s safety leaders must do more than manage programs—they must inspire teams, shape culture, and drive continuous improvement.

This post explores how safety leadership has evolved, the importance of structured change management, and how influence becomes a safety leader’s most powerful tool.

Safety Leadership as a Strategic Role

Safety is no longer just a technical function. It has become a leadership role that requires vision and communication skills. The introduction of frameworks like the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professional Capability Framework in 2017 and the more recent BCRSP Competency Model have helped formalize this shift. This framework highlights not only technical knowledge but also leadership, communication, and change management as essential capabilities.

By recognizing safety as a profession, organizations gain credibility and show that safety leaders contribute directly to business success. For example, companies that integrate safety leadership into their core strategy often see fewer incidents and higher employee engagement.

Understanding Change Management in Safety

Change is constant in any workplace, especially when it comes to safety practices. New regulations, technologies, and workforce dynamics require leaders to manage change effectively. Several models exist to guide this process, but one stands out for its clarity and practical application: the ADKAR Model.

The ADKAR Model Explained

ADKAR breaks change into five stages:

Awareness of the need for change
Desire to participate and support the change
Knowledge of how to change
Ability to implement new skills and behaviors
Reinforcement to sustain the change

This model points out a common mistake: confusing training with awareness. Training provides knowledge, but without first creating awareness and desire, employees often resist change. For example, a manufacturing plant introducing new safety equipment must first explain why the change matters before teaching how to use it.

Influence as a Safety Leader’s Key Skill

Beyond managing change, safety leaders must influence others to adopt safer behaviors and attitudes. Influence builds trust and motivates people to act even when no direct authority exists.

McKinsey’s Influence Model identifies four pillars that safety leaders can use:

Role Modeling: Demonstrate safe behaviors consistently
Fostering Understanding and Conviction: Help others see why safety matters
Developing Talent and Skills: Build capability through coaching and training
Reinforcing with Formal Mechanisms: Use policies and rewards to support safe practices

For instance, a safety leader who regularly follows safety protocols and shares stories about their impact encourages others to do the same. This approach creates a culture where safety is valued naturally.

Practical Steps for Modern Safety Leaders

To succeed in today’s workplace, safety leaders should:

Treat safety as a leadership role, not just a checklist
Use structured change models like ADKAR to guide initiatives
Focus on building awareness and desire before training
Lead by example to influence behavior
Communicate clearly and listen to employee concerns
Reinforce changes through policies and recognition

Looking Ahead: Safety Leadership in a Changing World

Safety leadership will continue to evolve as workplaces become more complex. Leaders who embrace change management and master influence will drive safer, healthier environments. The role demands more than technical knowledge—it requires empathy, communication, and strategic thinking.

By focusing on these skills, safety leaders can create lasting impact, protect workers, and support organizational goals.