Products & Solutions

Expert View: Global Safety

Safety is at the top of the corporate agenda for good reason. Most importantly people’s lives depend on it, but there are also other considerations. A poor safety record or incident can also irrevocably damage a company’s reputation, affect its share price and, in extreme cases, lead to the criminal prosecution of company officers and directors.

Therefore a culture of safety is more important today than ever before, both to Johnson Controls and its customers.

Global WorkPlace Solutions is further elevating our commitment to safety by applying global safety metrics across our business that drive the consistency of our Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program.

Scott Swanson, Director of Global EHS for Global WorkPlace Solutions, discusses our initiatives. Read the whole interview


Why does Global WorkPlace Solutions have such a strong emphasis on safety?
Global safety Scott Swanson

In all areas there is a heightened awareness of compliance. As a company, we want to do the right thing for our employees and create a safe environment where they want to work.

A strong focus on EHS is a reflection of how our business operates. Our global customers share that vision, and are confident in our rigorous standards. Our understanding of EHS has been gained through our own environments as well as in our customers’ spaces including process safety, validated environments, and general industry. We intrinsically understand how to mitigate risk and treat our customers’ spaces like our own. 

What was the motivation behind establishing a global safety program?
Global WorkPlace Solutions recognizes that as we continue to expand our business, we need a more consistent way to operate and measure our performance. Our customers are facing the same challenges that we do and need help to address them. Johnson Controls is often called upon by its clients to incorporate global metrics into a comprehensive EHS program. Whether it is a validated laboratory, manufacturing plant or office environment, our universal safety standards apply.

To meet our customers’ demands and improve our program, Johnson Controls is building a global EHS scorecard system that outlines the minimum standards of how we operate. As a global initiative, it’s imperative our system be flexible to accommodate all regions, while maintaining our EHS expectations and minimum compliance requirements. Our approach is performance-based rather than prescriptive. We maintain consistent Johnson Controls standards which must be applied and are often above those prescribed by a country’s legislation.

Describe the global EHS scorecard.
The EHS scorecard measures leading indicators, such as near misses, employee and contractor training, and workplace inspections. This measurement system fosters a positive EHS culture and enables our company to focus on safety.

The EHS metrics are built into the Global Performance Scorecard System (GPSS). Customers can view our performance in real time. Our ultimate goal is to measure not only ourselves, but our contactors as well.

Leading Indicator and Safety Culture metrics are tracked in a standard scorecard for our employees and contractors. Some of the measures are highlighted below:

  • Toolbox Talks – These regular meetings are a critical component of our program. The sessions allow training materials and information to be regularly distributed as well as to provide an emphasis on constant awareness and engagement
  • New Staff Training & PPE – By ensuring we effectively train and protect our new workers we can reinforce our message and help them become part of our EHS excellence and success
  • Unsafe Act / Unsafe Condition Reporting – We can identify issues before they become incidents by increasing attention to what is often the lowest level of the traditional incident pyramid. Our focus is firmly rooted in prevention and it begins with recognition of these acts and conditions which may lead to more serious events


What are the challenges implementing a global program?
Each country or organization will have components that need to be customized. However, we’re creating a more standard foundation for everyone.

A key challenge has been entering into emerging markets to implement new programs. As with any new market, there are cultural nuances and differences that need to be understood to allow effective execution of our program. The implementation of our program is supported by creating a behavioral shift to break down the natural resistance to change and challenge the status quo.

How do you develop a safety program for a customer?
An effective EHS program needs to work in unison for both Johnson Controls and the customer. We collaboratively work with our customers to employ high standards in a form and environment that aligns with their business needs. We take into account their priorities and blend them into our program.

We offer a comprehensive EHS program, which is a key differentiator. Each component is integrated and contributes to the success of the overall program. For example, we partner with HR to promote wellness programs, ultimately resulting in more productive employees. Our expertise spans all three of the disciplines (environmental, health, and safety), and blends them into an integrated program.

What type of training do you require for your employees?
In addition to general safety training, we require task-based, functional-level training that is specific to the requirements of each a project. Our training is a combination of hands-on experience, classroom instruction, and online programs. Our multi-faceted approach ensures we effectively reach everyone. For example, PureSafety is an online program that enables us to reach our distributed workforce and to provide both training and EHS-related announcements in an efficient and consistent manner.

We also recognize that as we continue to expand globally, it’s important to offer and develop training in native languages to ensure the correct message is delivered and received. Guaranteeing that the message is clearly understood at the frontline is critical to our success.

How has Johnson Controls focus on EHS and safety evolved over the years?
Global WorkPlace Solutions is the first business within Johnson Controls to appoint a global EHS leader to provide a single point of contact for support and direction across multiple regions and market units. We take on the challenge of doing what we say we’ll do and making sure it is done consistently everywhere we deliver services.

Our company made a significant cultural shift in 2008/2009 by focusing on the personal aspect of safety. This involved "making safety personal" by both holding people accountable for their actions, as well as fostering safe behaviors in people’s everyday lives. We are of the mindset that safety is something you do all the time, not just while at work.

How does GWS remain competitive and best-in-class?
We learn from both our internal businesses and external customers. If we find an innovative program or better way to do things, we will adopt that aspect and adapt our program. When an incident does occur, we take immediate action, and then dissect the incident to see if any lessons can be learned and incorporated.

What is the most important thing we’ve done to improve our safety program?
The single most important thing we’ve done to improve our safety program is to engage our leadership. Our business executives have made it a business priority by building it into every level of the business. Safety is one of the core values of Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions. 

How has your background prepared you for this job?
My early career was spent in the consulting and construction industries. This experience gave me an appreciation of how to win and retain customers through relationships and performance. It also taught me to adapt to the frequent and diverse challenges on a large construction project. I have been able to apply this problem-solving ability and adapt as the Global WorkPlace Solutions business has grown in size, scope, and geography.

What do you most enjoy about working in this field?
I enjoy many things, but the most rewarding is working with passionate people. My EHS colleagues truly care and want to make a difference. Working alongside professionals who have a personal investment and commitment is enjoyable and energizing.

What keeps you up at night/what are your main headaches?
My sleepless nights center around two things - what might go wrong and what has gone wrong.

The EHS world is first about preventing incidents. We need to be continuously focused on our risks and make sure we have done everything possible to eliminate or mitigate our exposure. We operate in a very dynamic business and this is a constant challenge. Once an unfortunate situation does occur it is our responsibility to make sure we learn why it happened and what we can do to prevent a reoccurrence. I take a great deal of personal responsibility for corrective actions and making sure we do not have repeat incidents. Back to top

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