What do you do if your workplace safety expertise is questioned?

On one occasion, a staff member where I work screamed that he was perceiving the odour of gas. Immediately, I cautioned him to stop screaming but to look out for the source of the gas which was just a single filled cylinder within the environment. He questioned my expertise immediately with the notion that I should have called everyone to the muster point even though there was no fires ?? yet. I did not agree to acknowledge this perspective as it can cause unnecessary tension. Also, the gas leak was something that can be easily secured so did not require the screaming ??.

workplace safety expertise is questioned, it's essential to handle the situation professionally and effectively. Here's what you can do Remain Calm and Professional, Stay composed and avoid reacting defensively. Clarify Your Qualifications, Clearly communicate your qualifications, certifications, training, and experience in workplace safety. Provide Information, Offer to provide information or documentation that supports your expertise in workplace safety. Listen and Understand Concerns, Offer Solutions, If there are specific areas of concern, offer to address them by providing additional training, Document Your Actions, Communicate Confidence Follow Up, Continuous Improvement,,

This is something you shouldn't take personal, even if it is.. don't. You should first let the person who is questioning your expertise let it all out... DO NOT cut them off. Second ask why do they doubt your workplace safety expertice? You would be surprised how many people either, 1 don't know what to say or 2 say a statement based purely on personal feelings and opinion and not facts. After finding out the reason for their doubt this could be a very clear opportunity to deliver a empathetic response, in a calm and professional manner that at the same time, set your presence and potentially earning that team members respect.

On the same occasion as mentioned earlier, I gave reasons to the staff why there was no need to summon people to the muster point if the gas leak could easily be secured. He then questioned my expertise and certifications. First, I gave him a clear explanation of how the incident did not require screening and muster point. Then I showed him my certificates of being trained as a safety officer both in basic safety and fire safety.

One way I have applied to ensure that a lesser number of staff doubt my expertise is that during training, I use practical examples to explain unsafe acts and illogical unsafe practices. Also, during the training, staff are given opportunities to ask questions based and make suggestions on their observations and challenges. These explanations, questions and suggestions are further used to improve work ethics.