The Elephant in The Room

Let’s talk safety.

WAIT...., before you tune me out, hear me out.

Given that it’s in everyone’s best interest one would think it would be a topic easily breached and discussed in no different manner than, let’s say the weather.

So why does this particular topic regardless of its origin seem so difficult to broach?

Despite your organizational standing meaning safety pro, front-line supervisor, or general laborer people generally aren’t very receptive to someone, anyone, who begins the conversation about safety.

So why is that?

Do people tend to think they are working safely and in fact not in any danger because they’ve either performed their task many times before without incident and or they’ve heard the same advice many times over, without suffering negative effects?

Truth is we tend to underestimate the risks in everything we do. So, how do we break that barrier down and turn on the receptors?

Maybe It’s in the delivery.

Consider this, are we trying to relay the same old message basically singing the same song every time, or maybe we take the safety cop approach and try and scold them into accountability, which only leads to them hiding their actions, or could you be letting your emotions, aggravation and frustration drive your message, which is a sure way to tune someone out, as no one likes speaking to someone that’s over emotional about a subject they’re already not interested in or see no need for.

Fostering a healthy, productive conversation about safety is the objective so how do we drive home the truth that no one is immune to error, distraction, or complacency and at the same time convince them their best defense along with your hierarchy of controls is self-awareness and the awareness of those around them?

How do we help them understand that statistics show that a high rate of injuries are either witnessed by someone or anticipated by someone who has already identified a particular risk, but chose not to say anything about it?

First speak their language, no I don’t necessarily mean language of origin, which is completely necessary, but I mean in a language that makes it personal for them, speaks to something they know about, care about, but first realize this approach is going to take your time and effort to start listening. How can anyone expect you to talk to them on a personal level when you know absolutely nothing about them? Listen to what they have to say, often the clues are right there at your fingertips, so you must listen for them. Remember this as well, safety should always be a two-way conversation, even if you know your right, hear them out, answer their questions, often while explaining the process they were following, they will identify their own mistakes or missteps, it works.

Second, show them respect and work to earn theirs, without it your efforts are futile. Theres not a soul on Gods green earth that cares to listen to advise or guidance from someone they do not nor can not respect.

Third, show them you care, don’t just tell them. There’s not a better way to drive this sentiment home than to make it about their personal well-being, the well-being of their family or inner circle, should something happen to them.

Last but not least, make it a point to show your appreciation, the organizations appreciation for the value they add and a job well done. People universally respond to praise positively.

Only positive feedback can motivate people to continue doing what they’re doing well, and do it with more vigor, determination, and creativity.

The old saying holds true, " a simple thank you goes a long ways".

Always remembering the one common denominator for every successful safety and health systems.

Its a culture where everyone looks out for each other.

I have a feeling you'll find this approach breeds an environment of people caring for themselves, caring for one another, not afraid to be approached about the subject and more importantly not afraid to approach each other about the elephant in the room.

The conversation of safety.