5 steps to talking about health and safety issues
- Step01
Approach your worker with a friendly and problem-solving attitude
Unsafe behaviour is often an ingrained habit: workers often have unsafe habits because they’re not aware they’re being unsafe in the first place. Start these conversations without blame and don’t assume a worker is deliberately being unsafe.
- Step02
Describe their behaviour objectively and say why you’re concerned
Be clear and avoid a criticising tone.
For example, don’t say: “I can’t believe you climbed the ladder that way! Don’t you know what could happen?”
Instead, say something like: “I saw the way you climbed that ladder and I’m concerned you could get hurt.”
By explaining it this way, you’re letting the person know you’re personally worried for their welfare.
- Step03
Tell them what action is expected and what the benefits are
Give clear instructions about the right behaviour and explain the rationale for this.
For example, say: “I’d prefer that you get someone to hold the ladder for you. We want you to go home safely. If that means taking time to get help, I’d rather you do that than rushing and risk getting hurt.” - Step04
Check they understand and get a commitment to the new behaviour
By asking people to commit to a changed behaviour, they’re more likely to actually change.
After your chat, check they understand what you’re asking of them. Then you could say: “Can I count on you to do this?” or “Do you agree to this?”
- Step05
Tell them you’ll back them up if anyone questions their new behaviour, or if they identify a risk on their own
It’s important to lead by example and be consistent with health and safety if you’re going to create a new health and safety culture.
This means saying things like: “If anybody questions why you’re doing it this way, I can help explain it to them and let them know I expect all staff, including me, to do it this way.”
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