A few weeks ago, SafetyXChange ran a series about behavior based safety in the construction industry by Larry Wilson. I am among those who believe in the effectiveness of such programs. I have also discovered an effective method to support the program's efforts. The keys: Making an express commitment to excellence and enlisting supervisors to instill awareness of the goal and the importance of safety in workers. Let me tell you about my company's experiences. There's also a model commitment statement in the Tools section of SafetyXChange that you can use or adapt.

Enlist Labor Union Support

I work at Foster Wheeler as an HSES manager. At Foster Wheeler we've made Safety Excellence one of our corporate objectives. All levels of management and supervision must be involved and actively support the company's behavior based program. The more actively everyone participates and buys-in, the more successful the program will be.

This includes labor unions. Labor unions have and always will be pro-worker. That's why they're around in the first place. Labor unions can be an enemy or an ally in safety. To turn them into allies, the company must directly involve them in the program.

When enlisting the support of labor unions (or, for that matter, management) remember these two truths:

• You need them more than they need you; and
• You have to sell them on the value of the program.

If you all work together, everyone benefits; even union management, who will receive accolades for successes from other national labor councils, organizations and members.

Shift the Focus

If a company, directly or indirectly, uses a behavior based safety program to blame accidents on workers, the program will have limited success. Incident investigations should focus not on fault finding, but on fact-finding, which is pro-active and more effective.

The Importance of Attitudes

Attitudes affect work and safety. The more positive their attitude, the better workers work. Workers' attitudes get affected from the moment they rise and shine, and even before then. By the time the worker gets to work, the effects of proper rest, weather, family, finances, transportation, traffic and other factors have all worked their influence on the worker's attitude. Once work starts, the attitude is influenced by the effects of the work area, such as changes in normal routine, morning coffee, supervisor and co-workers' attitudes or demands and other factors.

6 Ways to Positively Influence Workers' Attitudes

All of us have influence on the worker's attitude. We have the capacity to aggravate an attitude or change it in a positive way through our actions and treatment of the worker. This is especially true of supervisors. Here are six specific things supervisors can do to positively affect our workers' attitudes:

• Being optimistic and avoiding the "woe is me" complaining and grumpiness. (But don't overdo the smiling and cheerfulness. Keep in mind that some people resent those who are always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, especially first thing in the morning.)
• Accentuating the positive. Always use positive examples, lessons and feedback, not negative ones.
• Acknowledging the workers. Speak to them. At the very least, say "good morning" or "good afternoon."
• Expressing appreciation for the worker's efforts, contributions and safe work. Saying "Thank you."
• Being sincere in our voice, gestures and mannerisms.
• Offering help. Encourage your workers to call you if they need assistance.

Conclusion

These positive actions will help supervisors convey the message that "We work safely and we succeed because of our workers." Although it might sound trite, workers really are your company's most important assets, regardless of the industry you're in. Do right by the workers and they will reward you with positive results.

Editor's Note: Have you got a safety success you'd like to share? Please tell us about it so we can pass it along to the members of SafetyXChange. Send it to: catherinej@bongarde.com

SEASONAL SAFETY

Have an Egg-Cellent Easter

By Catherine Jones

For those of you planning an Easter Egg hunt this weekend, we offer these safety tips:

• Use only refrigerated eggs. If an egg has been kept at room temperature or warmer for more than two hours, throw it out.
• Wash your hands well before and after handling or preparing eggs.
• Cook and color only eggs with uncracked shells.
• Use only non-toxic coloring dye.
• Place colored eggs in a covered container and store them in the fridge until you need them.
• Display Easter egg masterpieces in a bowl of ice if you plan to eat them later.
• Avoid hiding Easter Eggs in areas where they may come in contact with pets, wild animals, insects or lawn chemicals.

MEMBER REPLIES

Pet Peeves: Lack of Safety on TV Fix-Up Shows

We struck a nerve! Thanks to everybody who replied to Robert Hogan's Pet Peeve in last week's issue. It seems TV's disregard for safety is a pet peeve shared by many safety professionals. Here are a few of your replies.

Hogan's Heroics

I heartily agree with Mr. Hogan's comments. I too have made very similar observations. However, my commendation to Mr. Hogan is that he has actually tried to address the situation rather than just comment on it. It never occurred to me to write the networks and bring it to their attention in that manner. WELL DONE, MR. HOGAN.

Richard Hills

Blame the Networks

I agree with Robert Hogan. The networks thrive on showing people involved in all types of risky behaviors... People not adequately versed in safety may not realize some of these actions are unsafe. I think the networks should set a good example. And if they don't care about examples, they should consider the liability they face if someone's injury is caught on camera!

Christine Dixon

PPE as Props

I was watching an episode of Dirty Jobs in which the crew went into a sewage treatment plant to clear a plug. The host of the show had a protective suit, a hydrogen sulfide meter, safety shield and respirator. However, I never saw him actually wearing the respirator (other than as a necklace) even when he was walking over piles of waste in a confined space; his face shield was on only occasionally. As a Safety Officer, I was disheartened to see the disrespect for safety techniques and the continual attitude of "it will never happen to me."

Anonymous

Where's OSHA?

In response to Robert Hogan's Pet Peeve, I commend his actions. I too share his concerns. I viewed one show where a person was lifted above a roof while standing on a pallet in order to install a weather vane. It made an exciting photo opportunity, which I think is where these types of shows go wrong. I contacted the state Safety Council, ASSE and our state OSHA Consultation and Education. Each group followed up as far as they could, but I did not hear back as any ultimate action taken. My main concern is that young people watching these shows will think this is the right way to perform the work. Wow. Pity the safety folks who are going to have to correct the behavior of this generation of worker. You would think OSHA enforcement in the state where the show was taped would cite the network - especially when the person performing the unsafe act was an employee on the show.

Cindy Houlson

Shame on Hollywood

Bob Hogan was right on target. His only mistake is thinking Hollywood cares! Oh, they do have a concern - it's called the almighty dollar. I've wondered for a long time why the Feds (OSHA, FCC, etc.) and pro safety groups did not, in concert, read the riot act to TV producers. Shame on them for their unsafe content. But remember: Hollywood is "smarter" than the rest of us. There's a reason they call it La-La Land!

Gerald Edgar

Raising a Generation of Safety Clowns

When it comes to broadcasting at prime television and the show uses children, I think the networks should pay closer attention to the safety end in the show. If children are subjected to this lack of safety at a young age, what will they be like towards safety when they get older? Keep up the good work!

Bob Williams

Story Tools:  Email This Post  Print This Post Top