Exceptional safety culture at Ring South Approach

Aanpak Ring Zuid, or the conversion of Groningen's southern ring road, is among the largest infrastructure projects in our country. The complex project had a somewhat difficult start. Also in the field of Safety, Health and Environment (HSE) not everything went smoothly in the beginning. Reason enough for Combinatie Herepoort and the client, an alliance of Rijkswaterstaat, the municipality and the province of Groningen, to make a serious improvement. And how! Together with Aboma they built an unparalleled safety culture.

Approach Ring South began in 2017 and was designed to improve traffic flow into the city via an traffic light-free link. The project is nearing its end. Currently taking place is 'Operation Ring South,' a mega job that involves connecting all previously built sections and returning the ring to the city of Groningen in early September this year. "At the start of the project, there was quite a bit of difference of opinion between the combiners, including about the HSE issues," says Gerwin Tiems, HSE manager at combination Herepoort. "Everyone had to find their way and get used to each other. Also in the HSE area." That has since changed. Thanks to the efforts of Aboma.

Safety Culture

Aboma was initially called in for additional and independent supervision at the construction site and a bit of advice outside. "We look at whether work is being done according to the HSE plans, as drawn up by the client and combination Herepoort," says Allard Schonewille, safety engineer at Aboma Consultancy. "If you see how the safety culture has improved compared to how work was done during the start of the project, that is unprecedented." Gerwin can agree, saying, "Above all, we have sought a much greater connection with each other and are now very close to the ball. Together, both the client, Aboma and we as a combination now look through the same safety glasses and try to get the project moving in that way. And with success." Bouke Brander, safety consultant at Aanpak Ring Zuid on behalf of the client, adds: "The complexity and scope of the project means that you need each other to make a move. The only way to get that working is by creating an open culture and daring to address each other. And that's why we now sit down together every week to talk about safety. Everything is put openly on the table on the basis of mutual trust."

We either do it safely or we don't. That is currently the work ethic at Aanpak Ring Zuid. In addition to independent supervision, Aboma also provided "safety and leadership training" for all (chief) implementers on the project. "It contributed in part to the current open safety culture. Safety awareness now comes from intrinsic motivation. And that is surely the biggest gain we have achieved as a HSE team," Allard believes. Bouke: "This project also shows that both client and contractor benefit from thinking about HSE issues at an early stage. That is much more effective and pays off handsomely."