Engage Everyone in Quick Hazard Assessments for a Safer Workplace – 9/23/24
Safety E-Quick Tip
OWYN Safety Management Platform
Engage Everyone in Quick Hazard Assessments for a Safer Workplace
Last week we talked about the need to scan your surroundings before starting work each day looking for potential hazards in the workplace to prevent accidents.
Today I want talk about a quick way you can make this happen at every jobsite.
Most of the time your superintendent, foreman, or competent person performs the inspections, but today think about the idea of getting everyone involved.
Yes, I said everyone.
Gather everyone together and explain that you will ask a single question, requesting each person to offer one answer at a time. If there are additional responses, you will circle back, allowing each individual to provide one contribution until all answers are exhausted.
Ready for the question?
What potential hazards do you see or anticipate for yourself or others while working in this area? Then don’t say another word until someone answers, not a word.
Initially, the process may be slow, with you and more knowledgeable people leading the way. However, as time progresses, more people will start contributing, leading to increased awareness of workplace hazards among everyone.
And all of this can take place in less than 5 minutes, and you might even hear a hazard you didn’t think of.
Wouldn’t that be something?
Here are 3 reasons others will likely join in over time:
- Inclusion: Individuals would join in over time due to a sense of inclusion and value placed on their input.
- Awareness: Continued participation increases safety awareness, fostering a culture of safety within the team.
- Team Building: Collaborative hazard identification exercises contribute to team building and a shared commitment to workplace safety.
Try this out on a construction site, in your warehouse, at a workstation and anywhere else employees are working.
But remember, 5 minutes, one question, everyone provides one answer at a time, and no answer is a bad answer.
Special note: If you want to help a little, wait until the easy hazards are discussed, then give hints for identifying the more hidden ones.
Employee Quick-Tip
Stay safe by joining in on discussions where we all share what dangers we see at work – it’s quick and important!
Employer/Management Quick-Tip
Improve workplace safety by involving everyone in brief, inclusive discussions to identify potential hazards.
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