How Recording Safety Observations Can Help Prevent the Next Workplace Accident
December 3, 2024
Picture this: a manufacturing worker suffers a serious hand injury while operating a machine. The injury is severe, requiring surgery, weeks of physical therapy and an extended absence from work. For the worker, it’s not just about the physical pain—it’s about the financial strain of medical bills, the emotional toll of being unable to support their family and the long-term uncertainty about whether they’ll ever regain full use of their hand. For their family, this injury disrupts their daily life, adding stress and anxiety about the future.
But there’s more. The company must file an incident report, triggering a thorough investigation by regulatory bodies. Depending on the findings, the company could face hefty fines for failing to prevent a known hazard. Beyond the financial cost, the incident harms the morale of other employees. They may feel unsafe or start questioning the company’s commitment to their well-being, leading to reduced productivity and engagement.
Now consider this: the injury didn’t happen out of nowhere. In the months leading up to the incident, there were minor yet telling signs—small cuts and bruises on workers operating the same machine, issues with the machine jamming and complaints about its outdated safety features. These incidents were never formally documented or addressed, if they had been, they could’ve prevented a very serious accident.
This scenario is all too common in workplaces where safety observations are overlooked or undervalued. It highlights the importance of a proactive approach to safety—one that prioritizes identifying and addressing hazards before they escalate.
When a company recognizes the warning signs and encourages a culture where safety observations are routinely reported and acted upon, it can break the cycle of reactive safety management and create a safer, more supportive work environment. Read more to learn how.
The Power of Safety Observations
Safety observations involve identifying and reporting potential hazards, unsafe behaviors or near-misses before they turn into serious incidents. By recording safety observations, companies can gather a valuable source of data that reveals patterns, highlights emerging risks and identifies areas where safety protocols may need reinforcement. Armed with this data, safety managers can make informed decisions to enhance workplace safety and operational performance.
One of the most significant benefits of safety observations is their role as leading indicators. When evaluating safety performance, many companies rely on lagging indicators such as injury rates, lost time incidents (LTIs) or workers’ compensation claims. While these metrics are essential for understanding historical performance, they don’t provide insights into potential future risks.
Leading indicators, on the other hand, are predictive and proactive. They include metrics like the number of safety observations reported, the frequency of near miss reporting or the percentage of completed safety training sessions. These indicators provide actionable insights that help organizations address potential hazards before they lead to accidents.
Consider the earlier manufacturing plant accident: if multiple employees had reported concerns about the same machine, those safety observations would have signaled a need for immediate maintenance or additional training.
Employees as Key Stakeholders
A successful safety observation program requires good employee engagement. After all, workers are the eyes and ears of the workplace. They’re often the first to notice hazards or unsafe behaviors, making their input invaluable. However, for employees to actively participate, they need to feel empowered and supported.
Building trust is the first step. Employees must know that their observations will be taken seriously and acted upon without fear of retaliation. Organizations can develop this trust by promoting transparency, recognizing contributions and involving employees in safety initiatives.
Additionally, regular communication and training can help reinforce the importance of safety observations. When employees understand how their input contributes to a safer work environment, they’re more likely to engage in the process. Organizations that view employees as stakeholders—not just participants—unlock a wealth of knowledge and insight that can significantly enhance safety performance.
The Role of Mobile Technology
Workers, especially younger generations, expect to use technology in the workplace. They are accustomed to the convenience and efficiency that mobile solutions provide in their daily lives, and they anticipate the same tools to be available on the job. The result is that traditional methods of reporting safety observations—such as paper forms or desktop software—can feel outdated, inefficient and slow.
Mobile safety solutions are changing how safety management is implemented, offering a faster, more efficient way to capture and handle safety data. With mobile apps, employees can report hazards, near-misses or unsafe behaviors in real time, often accompanied by photos, videos and location data. This immediacy ensures that safety managers receive accurate and timely information, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively to escalating situations.
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Overcoming Barriers to Implementation
While the benefits of safety observations are clear, some organizations or workers may encounter resistance when implementing or expanding their programs. Common barriers include:
- Lack of Awareness: Employees may not fully understand the importance of reporting safety observations.
- Fear of Retaliation: Workers may worry that reporting incidents could lead to blame or disciplinary action.
- Complex Reporting Processes: Time-consuming or complicated reporting methods can discourage participation.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Organizations should prioritize education and communication, emphasizing that safety is a shared responsibility. Simplifying the reporting process—through mobile apps or other user-friendly tools—can also boost participation. Finally, creating a culture of trust and accountability ensures that employees feel safe and supported in their reporting efforts.
Transforming Safety Culture with Observations
The example of the manufacturing plant incident is a stark reminder of the critical role safety observations play in preventing accidents. By leveraging leading indicators, empowering employees and adopting mobile technology, organizations can build a proactive safety observations program that minimizes risks and maximizes operational efficiency.
Safety is not just about compliance; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels responsible for their well-being and that of their colleagues. Ready to see how safety observation management can transform your workplace? Register for our product demo today and take the first step toward a safer, more proactive future.