Leading with Safety: Dyno Nobel’s Behavioural Safety Evolution Through SafeLEADERS

By Diana Gianne from Dyno Nobel | September 2025

At Dyno Nobel, safety leadership is not just a role—it’s a responsibility woven into the fabric of how we operate. Our behavioural safety journey has evolved from foundational programs like SafeTEAMS and concepts of SafeGROUND to the launch of SafeLEADERS, a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to embed safety into every decision, conversation, and action.

From Awareness to Ownership

SafeLEADERS builds on the cultural groundwork laid by SafeTEAMS and the concept of SafeGROUND, shifting the focus from safety awareness to leadership ownership. It challenges leaders to move beyond compliance and become catalysts for cultural change—creating environments where safety is visible, felt, and deeply personal.
The program is anchored in three core pillars:

Each pillar is supported by practical tools, behavioural models, and structured learning experiences that guide leaders in applying safety principles in real-world settings.

The Anatomy of a SafeLEADER

At the heart of the program is a behavioural blueprint that reimagines leadership through a metaphorical anatomy. Each part of the body represents a key leadership behaviour:
Body Part Behaviour Description

• Eyes Observe Spot hazards, recognize excellence, and seek weak signals
• Mind Think Apply emotional intelligence, curiosity, and problem-solving
• Mouth Speak Communicate expectations, share stories, and coach with clarity
• Ears Listen Empower others to speak up and facilitate open dialogue
• Arms Engage Build SafeGROUND through collaboration and inclusion
• Hands Act Take accountability, assign responsibility, and drive discipline
• Heart Care Lead with empathy, humility, and personal concern
• Knees Learn Stay flexible, ask for support, and avoid reactive responses
• Feet Walk Demonstrate visible leadership where the work happens
• Backbone Stand Uphold integrity, challenge constructively, and resolve conflicts
• Soul Believe Commit to Zero Harm and lead by example every day

This model helps leaders internalize safety as a lived experience—not just a checklist.

Program Structure: From Training to Transformation

The SafeLEADERS program is designed as a multi-phase journey:

Phase 1: Learning & Immersion

• One-day live sessions delivered across global regions
• Virtual delivery for remote sites
• Facilitator-led workshops with storytelling, scenario-based learning, and peer reflection
• Personal commitment exercises including “My Why” and “2-degree shift” pledges

Phase 2: Embedding & Application

Integration with Leader Standard Work (LSW).
Embedding tools such as:

• Pocketbooks
• Tip sheets and coaching videos
• “Moments That Matter” visual aids
• SafeLEADER workbooks for post-session reflection
• Community of Practice forums

Phase 3: Measurement & Reinforcement

• Health checks to assess leadership behaviours
• Balanced scorecard metrics tied to TRIFR, critical control verification, and event learning
• Leader Connect sessions for ongoing dialogue
• Recognition systems to reward innovation and initiative

Conversations That Shape Culture

A cornerstone of SafeLEADERS is the emphasis on quality conversations. Leaders are trained to:

• Prioritise connection before content
• Treat the worker as expert
• Trust and verify through observation and inquiry
• Reinforce safe work, not just respond to incidents
• Close the loop by following through on commitments

These conversations build trust, encourage psychological safety, and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Global Rollout: A Unified Vision Across Regions

With pilots completed and facilitators trained, SafeLEADERS is being rolled out across Dyno Nobel’s global footprint.
The embedding strategy is aligned with regional implementation roadmaps and Business Unit targets.

Why SafeLEADERS Matters

SafeLEADERS is more than a training program—it’s a leadership transformation. It equips leaders to:

• Create SafeGROUND where people feel empowered
• Lead with visible and felt presence
• Manage risk with healthy unease
• Drive accountability and close the loop
• Personalize safety through “My Why” and everyday actions

At Dyno Nobel, we believe that Zero Harm is achievable when leadership is intentional, authentic, and connected. SafeLEADERS is our commitment to making that belief a reality—one leader, one conversation, and one moment at a time.