Transforming safety culture for the UK’s strategic road network
The UK’s Strategic Road Network (SRN) is vital to the country’s infrastructure, carrying a third of all road traffic and two-thirds of freight—serving as a backbone of economic growth and connectivity.
However, maintaining safety on the SRN is no small task. Contractors like Colas, a leader in infrastructure solutions, face increasing challenges, from ensuring compliance in high-risk environments to fostering a culture of accountability among field teams. Moving beyond traditional approaches, the focus is now on embedding a strong safety culture that drives proactive risk management and shared accountability.
At the forefront of this transformation are AI-driven solutions like FYLD, which empower teams to identify risks early, take ownership of safety, and consistently deliver safer maintenance operations.
Building a proactive safety culture
Safety is the cornerstone of SRN maintenance, and National Highways has made fostering a safety culture a top priority—not only to reduce workplace accidents but also to encourage personal accountability and collective responsibility across teams.
This shift goes beyond basic compliance. The goal is to move from a dependent mindset, where workers follow safety practices out of obligation, to an interdependent mindset, where individuals take ownership of their own safety and look out for their colleagues.
Contractors such as Colas are embracing this approach by integrating innovative tools like FYLD into their operations to create an environment where proactive risk management and shared accountability thrive.
What does safety culture look like on the ground?
At its heart, safety culture is about shifting attitudes toward risk. Workers are encouraged to think proactively, understanding that even minor oversights can have severe consequences.
This mindset is reinforced through initiatives like National Highways’ “home safe and well” commitment, which emphasises the importance of returning safely after every shift.
Contractors are adopting this approach by fostering a “look after your mates” mentality. Teams work together to identify and mitigate risks, creating a shared sense of accountability.
FYLD plays a key role in this cultural shift by giving workers the tools to manage safety proactively. Its real-time safety insights and risk assessment features empower teams to make informed decisions and ensure consistent adherence to safety protocols.
The role of AI in transforming SRN safety
FYLD’s proactive safety tools
FYLD’s platform supports teams in managing safety risks with precision and efficiency. Its Video Risk Assessments (VRAs) leverage AI-powered insights to help teams document site-specific conditions at the start of each shift.
This approach creates a continuous visibility loop, allowing workers to assess risks in real-time, prevent incidents, and stay focused on safety throughout the day. For contractors like Colas, this proactive approach has transformed how safety is managed on the SRN.
Reducing complacency in high-risk environments
Road maintenance, particularly in high-traffic zones, carries inherent risks. Workers often become complacent after years of uneventful operations, which can lead to oversights in high-risk situations.
FYLD addresses this challenge by providing instant, visual feedback on site hazards. Teams are encouraged to see their job sites through a safety-first lens, taking responsibility for their own protection and that of their colleagues.
This approach ensures that safety remains a daily priority, even in familiar environments.
Safety culture in action: measurable results
FYLD’s tools have delivered tangible safety outcomes across the SRN. Leading indicators for Colas are strong - over 2,000 jobs have been safely executed through FYLD. Further, 38% of jobs are proactively interacted with by remote supervisors, enabling remote supervision to provide extra eyes on site. Prior to FYLD, the only visibility of real-time site activities was through site visits, putting more team members on the SRN and losing holistic visibility of the overall operation.
By enabling workers to proactively address risks before they escalate, FYLD fosters a cultural shift toward preventive safety. Teams equipped with real-time insights and AI-driven tools are empowered to take ownership of their safety, aligning with National Highways’ vision of an accountable, interdependent workforce.
Beyond compliance: engaging teams for better safety outcomes
Encouraging accountability and ownership
FYLD’s platform doesn’t just support compliance—it inspires engagement. Workers are encouraged to own their safety practices, from pre-shift risk assessments to mid-task hazard reviews. The platform’s real-time feedback loop reinforces accountability, allowing teams to stay adaptable and vigilant in ever-changing environments.
Real-time visibility for better engagement
For line managers and supervisors, FYLD’s real-time visibility features are invaluable. They allow managers to remotely monitor field conditions, provide guidance, and engage with teams on-site.
This enhanced communication builds trust and ensures that safety concerns are addressed immediately.
The future of safety on the SRN
The transformation of the UK’s SRN safety culture is a collaborative effort between contractors like Colas and innovative platforms like FYLD. Together, they’re shifting the focus from reactive measures to proactive, preventive practices that prioritise the wellbeing of workers and road users alike.
By embedding safety culture principles, empowering teams with AI-driven tools, and fostering accountability at every level, FYLD is not only meeting the challenges of today but also shaping the future of safety on the SRN.
Ready to elevate safety standards on your projects? Contact FYLD today to learn how our platform can help you drive proactive safety and operational excellence.
