3 min read: Here's a summary of some simple but very effective things you can do to increase worker engagement in safety. Click here to download a copy of this list.
1. Get worker input into method statements
Engage the workforce in producing risk assessments and method statements, they are the ones doing the work yet their input is often overlooked.
2. Engage the worker in identifying risk
Ask the worker what the most dangerous task they complete is or where they think they are most likely to have an incident. Use behavioural analysis to identify steps to make at risk working less likely.
3. Make it easy to feed back
If you want the workforce to submit near misses, observations or ideas, make the process as easy as possible and reinforce the behaviour straight away. Most people avoid submitting information because it is effortful and you never hear anything back anyway.
4. Address all issues raised quickly
Encourage the workforce to speak up about hazards or issues by addressing them quickly. When people learn that their feedback is acted upon quickly they will engage more. If you can't address the issue say why rather than avoid the matter.
5. Communicate well any changes made
Communicate well any changes made in response to feedback. A simple white board listing you said - we did, that is updated at least weekly and kept live will reinforce the behaviour of people speaking up and engaging in safety.
6. Practise hazard recognition every day
If you want the workforce to be spotting and rectifying more hazards, ask them what they have seen and addressed every day. Keep asking and reinforcing progress. The only way you know they will say something when there is an issue, is if they say something when there is an issue.
7. Run anonymous surveys
Survey the workforce regularly to get feedback on the real work environment, all of the day to day things that have a big impact on how the work actually gets done including time available to do the job, resources required, materials, information, supervisory behaviour, expectations, barriers and any feedback received.
8. Get worker input into PPE selection
Involve workers in PPE selection, they’re more likely to use the things they have selected. Also remember to make equipment readily available, storing equipment just a short distance away from where it is needed can make it less likely it will get used.
9. Deliver engaging briefings
Coach your supervisors on running engaging start of shift briefs and toolbox talks. Many supervisors have never been given any on the job coaching in these tasks and yet we rely heavily on their ability to do this skillfully.
10. Resist the urge to blame the worker
Resist the urge to blame the worker when they are involved in a near miss or incident, their behaviour is almost always a symptom of a deficient work environment. Remember, a significant unwanted side effect of a punishment based strategy is that the workforce stop talking openly about current working practices.
allison@sciencebasedleadership.co.uk