Observing for SWP

OBSERVING for Safe Work Practices

There are several reasons workers will not follow safe work practices. Do not assume workers always know the safe procedure. First, the observer must know the correct procedure. Then, find out why the worker is not following it by using skillful coaching techniques.

Not defined

• safe work practices have never been defined for this task 

• safe work practices exist in a manual somewhere (but nobody knows them) 

Not known or understood

• workers have not been trained on safe work practices 

• the training was poor or insufficient 

• workers were transferred into this operation with adequate orientation 

Ignored or done poorly

• work practice is defined, training is adequate yet worker deviates from procedure 

• a worker takes shortcuts 

• a worker makes up own way of performing the task 

• a worker takes unnecessary risks 

Not compatible with the task

• safe work practices are generic or inapplicable to this task 

• procedures are outdated 

• the process has changed since the last training 

• tools or equipment have changed the task and the associated hazards