How do you adjust your safety approach?

Workplace Safety

Perspectives from experts about the questions that matter in Workplace Safety

Published Sep. 15, 2023

How do you adjust your safety approach?

Safety is a priority in any workplace, but it is not a static concept. As situations, tasks, and people change, so do the potential risks and hazards. How do you adjust your safety approach to keep up with these changes and prevent accidents and injuries? Here are some tips to help you adapt your safety strategy to different scenarios.

• Assess the situation

Before you start any work, you need to evaluate the situation and identify the possible sources of danger. This could include the physical environment, the equipment, the materials, the procedures, and the people involved. You should also consider the frequency, severity, and likelihood of the risks, and how they could affect you and others. Based on your assessment, you can decide what safety measures are necessary and appropriate for the situation.

• Follow the rules

Every workplace has its own set of safety rules and regulations that you should follow. These are designed to protect you and your co-workers from harm and to comply with the legal and ethical standards of your industry. You should familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of your workplace, and follow them consistently and correctly. If you are unsure about any rule or procedure, ask your supervisor or a safety officer for clarification.

• Communicate effectively

Communication is key to safety, especially when you work with others or in a dynamic environment. You should communicate clearly and respectfully with your team members, your supervisor, your clients, and anyone else who may be affected by your work. You should also listen actively and attentively to feedback, instructions, warnings, and requests. Communication can help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and errors that could compromise your safety and the quality of your work.

• Learn from experience

You can improve your safety approach by learning from your own and others' experience. You should always report and document any incidents, accidents, or near-misses that occur in your workplace, and participate in any investigations or reviews that follow. You should also seek feedback and advice from your colleagues, your supervisor, or a safety expert on how to prevent or handle similar situations in the future. You should also update your knowledge and skills by attending training sessions, workshops, or seminars on safety topics.

• Be flexible and proactive

Safety is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to adjust your safety approach depending on the changing circumstances, demands, and expectations of your work. You should be flexible and adaptable to different situations, and willing to try new or different methods or tools that could enhance your safety and efficiency. You should also be proactive and anticipate potential problems or challenges, and prepare for them in advance. You should also seek opportunities to improve your safety performance and culture, and share your ideas and suggestions with others.

• Here’s what else to consider

Be your brother's/sister's keeper. Form a "buddy system" where each person assumes responsibility for at least one other person in the workplace. Thereby, establishing a chain-link accountability effect whereby each person on the premises is accounted for at all times.

Source: This article is adapted from (and added to): 

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-do-you-adjust-your-safety-approach-skills-workplace-safety?trk=seek