If only we managed safety like we were camping...

We have just experienced the end of daylight savings here in New Zealand and as I  adjust to the short days and dark nights that now await us, I find myself reflecting on a summer that was well ... just grand. The highlight for me was the purchasing of a grand old canvas family tent which would allow the family and I to embark on many adventures for years to come.
Embark we did ... out the blocks with two camping trips under our belt already. We are going places.

Now as the reflections from my grand summer swirl around in this head of mine and I wonder down the well formed path of safety professionals before me aiming to deliver inspirational training and sound advice. These two worlds collide.

And I get it!

Wouldn't it be great if we managed safety like we were camping?

Trip number 1, sees us off shortly after New Years. Trailer in tow and a weather forecast which would see most stay at home. After over four hours in the car and countless 'are we there yet's' from the kids we arrive at our destination. Not looking good, news from our friends ... 'uummm we will just stay put were we are for one more night and see how the weather pans out'.
Faced with a brand new tent, never before put up. Two kids who have been amazing (well as amazing as can be expected for an over four hour car ride), and rain! I really do start to contemplate what the hell I am doing (as I sometimes find myself thinking while on this crusade to make New Zealand workplaces safer). Faced with few options which included; battling on and going home. We had a family chat. The kids agreed to give Mom and Dad another hour to put the tent up, we all decided to battle on.
Armed with our resources and a plan, we charged at it. My Wife and I battling in the rain to build this behemoth of a tent. Chipping away, chipping away. All the while checking in on the kids. At which point bent over hammering the pegs into the ground I look up to see a stranger armed with a hammer and raincoat 'good day, would you like a hand?'. The spirit of neighbours, the spirit of camping. In the cold wet afternoon gloominess this total stranger steps out to offer a hand.

Trip number 2, sees another over four hour car ride North this time. Kids are well prepared with in drive entertainment and this time we head North with the prospect of good weather and family already there waiting for us. I tell you having that in mind made all the more excitement to get there.
Day 1 sees the putting up of the tents, hanging out with family, exploring and the obligatory 'good day' to the neighbours.
Day 2 saw the neighbour walk over with freshly smoked fish straight from the ocean and offer it on a plate for our wee family community.
Day 3 saw the neighbour needing help to back in his ute after he off loaded the boat, so he came over and asked. We obliged... happily. That night we saw them come back to show us the wonders of nature as sharks played in the waves breaking on the beach.

What struck me the most was the fact while camping (a great kiwi tradition) people helped and supported each other regardless of the circumstances as shown in my two trips. Now these were only some of the many examples we experienced while indulging in what will be a regular pass time. The highlight was that when they needed help they did not hesitate to ask for it. They knew their limitations.

So I say lets create another great Kiwi Tradition, and build a supportive community around it. A community that helps, and is not afraid to ask for help. Lets continue to build on going home safely from work and make it a Kiwi Tradition to be proud of... something maybe even the Australians will try to claim as their own.