Safety is more than a policy at Sumitomo Heavy Industries. It is a responsibility shared by everyone, every day.
Across SHI and its companies in Europe, safety is treated as a fundamental part of how work is done. It is embedded in leadership behaviours, daily operations, and the way colleagues look out for one another. The focus is always on people, communication, learning, and continuous improvement.
One recent example of this approach are Safety Observation and Sharing (SOS) visits.
These visits form part of a wider programme across SHI and its companies that encourages open dialogue around safety, recognises good practice, and helps teams identify practical ways to keep raising standards together.
Carlo Schilders, Safety Manager for SHI Europe, explains the intent behind these visits: “Safety Observation and Sharing visits are collaborative by design. They help teams surface good practice, challenge constructively and turn everyday observations into meaningful action. Safety performance improves fastest when people learn together.”
Rather than acting as inspections, these visits focus on shared ownership. Leaders and safety specialists spend time on the shop floor, talk directly with colleagues, and build understanding across different sites and countries. The emphasis is on trust, openness and learning.
From a leadership and people perspective, safety is seen as inseparable from culture.
Joris Blommaerts, Deputy Managing Director and HR General Manager for SHI Europe, added: “A strong safety culture is built on trust, positive reinforcement, engagement and ownership at every level. When people feel listened to and supported, they are far more likely to speak up, challenge risks and take responsibility for one another. That is essential for any organisation that puts people first.”
This approach reflects a consistent principle across SHI and its European companies. While technologies, environments and risks may differ, the commitment remains the same. Safety always comes first, and improvement is continuous.
Learning does not stop when a visit ends. Clear follow‑up actions, shared learning across sites, and ongoing dialogue help ensure that observations lead to lasting change, not just short‑term fixes.
As SHI continues to develop its presence across Europe, this people‑focused approach to safety remains central. It is one of the ways SHI and its companies work together to create safer workplaces and stronger organisations, keeping people at the centre of every decision.