Do Employees Have A “Safe Mode”?

March 26, 2013 No Comments

When your computer is broken, the computer repair person will push a button and put it in “The Safe Mode” before initiating repairs.  I’m not sure exactly what the “Safe Mode” does, but I assume it somehow protects the computer from further harm from the virus or spy-ware.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could put employees in “The Safe Mode” too!  Imagine being able to push a button that would make your employees more vigilant and careful!

Actually, there is a way to put your employees into a heightened state of safety consciousness (i.e. safe mode).  It does not involve pushing a button on the employee, but it is almost that simple.

I believe that a safety professional can put employees into the “Safe Mode” simply by being near them on the work floor.  Your shear presence on the work floor serves as a continual reminder to the employee of safety.  Being on the work-floor with your employees is especially important when there is a safety critical operation about to occur, or a new and potentially hazardous process being initiated.

How much time do you spend on the work floor?  A few years ago the Vice President of Operations at my employer told me that he expected the safety staff to spend at least 50% of our time on the work-floor.  At first, I resisted, not seeing the benefit.  However, over time I came to appreciate the wisdom of his directive.

Safety professionals can put employees into “The Safe Mode” simply by being with them on the work-floor.  They respect both our example, and our willingness to subject ourselves to the same exposures that they must endure.

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