After noting that most people are visual learners, roadmaster Cameron Henderson began exploring how to integrate visual techniques into BNSF’s safety programs.
“If I read a manual, even out loud, only a small amount of the population (35%) will absorb it because they are audible learners,” Henderson explained. “However, when I point my finger in a direction to help communicate instructions, I say it out loud, and they follow along while I am reading it, three types of learning are covered at the same time.”
His entire team now uses this multi-sensory learning technique during their briefings, which is similar to the Shisa Kanko safety technique popularized by the Japanese rail operators. Henderson also introduced pressure briefings—a moment of pause and re-brief—to help mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed on the job site.
Henderson’s methods are making a difference—his Vancouver engineering team has gone more than four years injury-free!
