A safe workplace is essential for the well-being of employees and the success of any business. To create a culture of safety, it's important to prioritize identifying and addressing potential hazards before they turn into accidents. This is where safety observations come in.

Safety observations are a systematic way of identifying and addressing potential hazards and unsafe behaviors in the workplace. They involve employees observing their work environment and fellow employees, identifying hazards or risks, and reporting them to management. This can include anything from a piece of equipment that needs maintenance to unsafe behavior that needs correction.

Building a safety culture through safety observations

Building a strong safety culture is essential for any organization that values the welfare of its employees and wants to create a positive workplace environment. Safety observations play a critical role in this process by promoting a culture of safety and helping to identify potential hazards before they lead to accidents or injuries.

One of the primary ways safety observations help build a strong safety culture is by encouraging employees to take an active role in identifying and addressing potential hazards. When employees feel empowered to identify and report potential safety hazards, they become more invested in creating a safe work environment. This can lead to a culture where safety is prioritized, and everyone is looking out for one another's well-being.

There are many examples of companies that have implemented safety observation programs to build a strong safety culture. For instance, an electrical contractor in California implemented a program that let members of the field team conduct safety observations that focus on observing the behavior of individuals.

Another example is with Milliken & Co., a chemical company in South Carolina. They monitor primary safety observations through weekly audits, especially in areas with heavy forklift traffic.

To encourage employees to participate in safety observations, organizations can use a variety of strategies. One effective approach is to provide training to employees on how to conduct safety observations and what to look for. This helps to ensure that employees feel confident and competent in their ability to identify potential hazards.

Another strategy is to provide incentives for employees who submit safety observations. This can include rewards such as gift cards or recognition programs. By incentivizing employees to participate in safety observations, organizations can promote a culture where safety is prioritized, and everyone is invested in creating a safe work environment.

Correcting small things that make a big difference

It's often said that "the devil is in the details," and when it comes to workplace safety, this couldn't be more true. Small issues that are left unaddressed can quickly snowball into major safety hazards that put employees at risk. This is why safety observations are so important in identifying and correcting these small issues before they become major problems.

Examples of small things or “blind spots” that can lead to major accidents if left uncorrected include equipment malfunctions, loose wiring, spills, and clutter. While these issues may seem minor on the surface, they can quickly become major safety hazards if they are not addressed promptly.

Safety observations are an effective way to identify these small issues before they become major problems. By encouraging employees to be vigilant in observing their work environment and reporting any potential hazards, organizations can proactively address small issues before they have a chance to escalate.

When safety observations identify small issues, it's important to take action promptly to correct them. This can include repairing or replacing equipment, cleaning up spills, or reorganizing workspaces to reduce clutter. It's also important to communicate any changes or corrective actions to employees to ensure that everyone is aware of the changes and can adjust their behavior accordingly.

One effective strategy for correcting small things identified through safety observations is to establish a system for tracking and addressing safety observations. This can include using a database or spreadsheet to log safety observations and track the progress of corrective actions. This helps to ensure that safety observations are addressed promptly and that no issues are overlooked.

Another effective strategy is to provide coaching to employees on how to identify “small things” and correct them as soon as possible. By empowering employees to take an active role in identifying and addressing safety hazards, organizations can create a culture where safety is a top priority and everyone is invested in creating a safe work environment.

Using technology to make safety observations more effective

Technology is revolutionizing workplace safety, and safety observations are no exception. Mobile apps, wearables, and other technological tools can be used to enhance safety observations, making them more effective and efficient.

One example of technology that can be used to enhance safety observations is mobile apps. These apps allow employees to submit safety observations in real-time, from anywhere in the workplace. The app can be customized to fit the specific needs of the organization, allowing employees to report on anything from equipment malfunctions to unsafe behaviors.

Wearable technology is another tool that can be used to enhance safety observations. In fact, 83% in the commercial construction industry said that wearables are useful in improving safety in the workplace.

Wearables can be used to track employee movements and behaviors, allowing organizations to identify potential safety hazards before they occur. For example, wearables can be used to monitor employee posture, alerting them when they are in a position that could lead to injury.

The benefits of using technology to facilitate safety observations are numerous. One of the primary benefits is that it allows for more frequent and accurate reporting of potential safety hazards. With mobile apps and wearables, employees can report potential hazards in real-time, which allows for a faster response and quicker resolution of potential hazards.

Another benefit is that technology allows for more targeted and efficient training. Wearables, for example, can be used to monitor employee behavior and provide targeted training to address any potential issues. This allows organizations to provide more personalized training that is tailored to the specific needs of each employee.

When implementing technology in safety observation programs, there are several best practices that organizations should follow. One of the most important is to involve employees in the process. This includes training employees on how to use the technology and soliciting feedback on how it can be improved.

Organizations should also be transparent about how the technology is being used and what data is being collected. This helps to build trust among employees and ensures that they feel comfortable reporting potential hazards.

If you're interested in learning more about the process of safety observations, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide: