Power of separation

Most occupational safety and health professionals (OSH) will be familiar with the sight of a group of hi-vis-clad individuals working unsafely. But for the lone OSH professional, challenging a group working unsafely can be intimidating. 

When seeking guidance on the topic, experienced professionals may provide stock answers. Examples include “challenging people working unsafely is part of the job and if you can’t handle that, this might not be the industry for you”. Some may even say that the ability to challenge a group working unsafely is about the strength of your character.

No text book

Challenging a group of workers is not something currently covered in any course I’m aware of. For many new OSH starters, this situation can often be difficult.

I arrived in OSH as a first-career graduate and would happily admit that this scenario intimidated me.

Therefore, the question remains, what is best practice when a solitary person is tasked with challenging, coaching and redirecting a group of workers working unsafely?

Undoubtedly, OSH professionals have different styles or techniques for approaching a group. However, having recently experienced this situation, I wanted to share an approach which could be valuable for newer colleagues. 

Press pause

After identifying unsafe working practices, it is imperative that work is stopped as soon as it is safe to do so. Asking the group to briefly pause work can provide an opportunity to speak to the manager or senior worker. Use a simple question such as “can you show me where to sign in?” Or ask for a quiet word and then make a conscious decision to take a few steps away from the rest of the group. 

A small separation can change the overall mentality and positively influence the dynamic of the interaction. It gives the senior worker the opportunity to rethink and correct any unsafe work practices taking place. Conversely, if this advice is then not taken, the situation may need to be escalated.

Although this technique is not possible in every scenario, separating the senior worker from the group allows the conversation to be redirected away from previous hostility or derision. It gives them the opportunity to reassess and positively influence the working environment that they oversee.

This technique aims to create a positive culture and maintain a respectful working relationship between the OSH professional and operational colleagues. It is important to remember that this type of challenge is not faced by the lone professional. It is faced by thousands of us across our industry. And remember, that community is there to support you.