The state of the safety profession and the importance of community – with Amy Stillwell-Cox

Overview

In this podcast episode, Rebranding Safety talks to Amy Stillwell-Cox, founder of Safe Tribe. She explores the challenges facing the safety profession and the transformative power of community.

Amy discusses the persistent stigma surrounding safety roles, the outdated practices that hinder progress, and the need for a shift in how safety professionals engage with their teams and organisations. She introduces Safe Tribe, a community-driven platform designed to upskill professionals, foster collaboration, and challenge traditional norms.

Amy emphasises the importance of core interpersonal skills, meaningful metrics, and empowering individuals early in their careers to drive positive change in the field. The conversation is both thought-provoking and a call to action for anyone invested in advancing workplace safety.

The state of the safety profession and the importance of community – with Amy Stillwell-Cox

The safety profession is a vital part of every industry, yet it often faces challenges of perception, integration, and impact. In a recent podcast hosted by Safety FM, Amy Stillwell-Cox, founder of Safe Tribe, shared her insights on the current state of the safety profession, the importance of community, and her vision for fostering change.

Key Challenges in the Safety Profession

Amy began by addressing the persistent stigma surrounding the safety profession. Despite the critical role safety professionals play, the field struggles with negative perceptions. Comments like “it’s just health and safety” reflect how the profession is often misunderstood and blamed for uncomfortable decisions or bureaucratic hurdles.

Amy emphasised that safety professionals often become scapegoats in organisations. She noted that many practitioners spend significant time on administrative tasks, such as logging near-miss incidents, instead of addressing real safety issues. This misallocation of focus can hinder their ability to drive meaningful change.

Breaking the Cycle of Stagnation

Reflecting on the industry’s progress or lack thereof, Amy highlighted that safety statistics over the last decade have remained stagnant. Issues such as workplace fatalities, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health challenges persist at worrying levels.

Amy likened this stagnation to a Groundhog Day scenario: entrenched practices and outdated methods continue to dominate. She argued that while technical knowledge is essential, connecting with people, building trust, and inspiring change is even more critical.

 The Vision Behind Safe Tribe

Safe Tribe is Amy’s answer to the challenges plaguing the profession. Designed as a “community in your pocket,” this app provides a secure, supportive, and collaborative space for safety professionals. It bridges the gap between traditional platforms like LinkedIn and professional memberships, offering a more personal and interactive experience.

Safe Tribe aims to:

1. Foster Community

Through forums and chatrooms, members can connect, share experiences, and seek advice without fear of judgment.

2. Upskill Members

Monthly workshops and tailored events focus on core skills such as communication, leadership, and practical problem-solving.

3. Challenge Norms

Safe Tribe encourages members to question outdated practices and embrace innovative approaches to safety.

Amy underscored that the community is member-led, meaning its growth and direction are shaped by the needs and feedback of its participants.

The Importance of Core Skills

Amy highlighted a significant gap in the traditional training of safety professionals: the lack of emphasis on core interpersonal skills. While technical expertise is foundational, it’s often the ability to engage with others, navigate organisational dynamics, and influence stakeholders that make the real difference.

For example, she recounted her experience working with machine operators in a manufacturing environment. By empowering the workforce to take ownership of safety processes, she demonstrated how collaboration can lead to practical, effective solutions. This approach builds trust and creates safety measures that are realistic and sustainable.

Challenges of Incentivised Safety Metrics

One of Amy’s most controversial critiques was against safety metrics, particularly those that prioritise appearance over substance. She recounted instances where companies focused on “green audits” and near-miss quotas to present a facade of safety.

Amy argued that such practices undermine the integrity of the profession and make it harder to effect real change. “We need to move away from incentivising safety for the wrong reasons.” She is calling for a shift towards meaningful and actionable metrics.

Building a Thriving Community

Safe Tribe offers two membership options:

• Community Membership: A one-time fee provides access to forums and chatrooms for networking and knowledge sharing.
• Premium Membership: At $4.99 per month, members gain access to workshops, leadership discussions, discounted courses, and exclusive events. The premium tier also includes a library of recorded webinars and resources. This will help members learn at their own pace.

Amy has ambitious plans for the community’s growth in 2025, with:

•  New partnerships
• Additional workshops
•  Enhanced member benefits

A Vision for the Future

Amy’s goal is to reshape the narrative surrounding the safety profession. She envisions a time when safety professionals are seen as collaborative partners rather than bureaucratic enforcers. She believes in empowering professionals early in their careers with the skills and confidence to challenge the status quo.

Amy explained, “Success for me is… see a tangible shift in how safety is approached… across the industry.”

Conclusion

Amy Stillwell-Cox’s work with Safe Tribe is a testament to the power of community in driving change. It’s a site where safety professionals can learn, collaborate, and grow. She’s paving the way for a more dynamic and impactful profession.

For those in the safety industry or anyone interested in fostering meaningful workplace change, Safe Tribe is a must-watch initiative.

To join or learn more, visit the Safe Tribe app or explore their 7-day free trial. Together, we can reimagine the future of safety.