At ecoDynamics, safety is not just a checklist—it’s a core value that permeates the entire company culture. In celebration of National Safety Month, ecoDynamics is reinforcing the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. Leading this effort are Vasilios Paparounis, HSEQ Manager, and Adriano Iannelli, Operational and Safety Officer, who emphasise that fostering a safety-first environment is critical to the company’s success.

For Vasilios, safety goes beyond simply following protocols; it’s about nurturing a culture where both physical and mental wellbeing are prioritised. “Safety to me means creating an environment where everyone can perform their duties without fear of harm,” Vasilios explains. “It’s about having the right processes, tools, and culture in place to prevent accidents.” National Safety Month offers the perfect opportunity to refocus on these goals, encouraging employees to proactively address hazards and work together to reduce incidents.
Adriano shares this holistic view, believing that safety should extend beyond the workplace. “Safety means more than just ensuring people are safe at work. It’s about protecting people wherever they are – whether they’re onsite, at home, or even at a mate’s place,” he says. His approach to safety is rooted in connection, enabling ecoDynamics to bring important safety issues to light through open discussion.

Both leaders stress the importance of safety awareness, which they believe is the key to creating a healthier and more productive workplace. Vasilios notes that employees who are alert to potential hazards are better equipped to make informed decisions that protect themselves and their colleagues. Adriano adds that safety awareness also fosters team unity, improving workflows while reducing risks. By encouraging employees to report near-misses and incidents, ecoDynamics creates a culture of continuous safety improvement.

A key part of this safety culture is employee participation. Vasilios and Adriano agree that safety is everyone’s responsibility. By fostering open communication and recognising those who go above and beyond, ecoDynamics ensures that safety becomes second nature. Toolbox talks and regular discussions provide employees with the opportunity to share feedback, concerns, and ideas for improvement. “Safety isn’t just a top-down directive – it’s a shared responsibility across all levels of the organisation,” Adriano emphasises.

ecoDynamics Safety Committee

Since joining ecoDynamics in October 2023, Vasilios Paparounis has significantly improved safety processes across the group. With over 35 years of experience in manufacturing and civil construction, he has positively impacted the company’s health, safety, and environmental initiatives. His primary goal is to ensure compliance with work systems and to create an environment where every worker goes home safe and happy at the end of the day.

One of Vasilios’ key initiatives was forming the ecoDynamics Health and Safety Committee. This committee serves as a platform for open dialogue between employees and management, allowing them to collaborate on identifying hazards, developing safety protocols, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. By empowering everyone to contribute to safety initiatives, the committee has fostered a stronger culture of shared responsibility, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer work environment for all.