Six step approach to safety coaching
Have you considered safety coaching when employees don’t follow the rules? It’s quicker than issuing disciplinary action, which is a managers first thought. Regular safety coaching can also help maintain employees safe working behaviour when you observe it being done.
As I tweeted the other day safety coaching does not take long.
Supervisors coaching workers does not take long:
Safety coaching is a short conversation that takes 2-3 minutes of your time.
Spend time coaching on safety by talking to 5 workers each day, and it will take you 15-20 mins.
That’s not too much to ask when focusing on safety.
— david cant ~ CFIOSH (@davidgcant) August 2, 2021
A six-step approach to safety coaching you can try yourself
Step 1. Coach in the moment
Step 2. You go up to the worker
Step 3. State the behaviour you observed
Step 4. Ask open-ended questions. What? How? Why?
Step 5. Have a short conversation and listen
Step 6. End on a positive note and with praise
How a conversation can play out
Picture Bob working on a lathe.
Safety Supervisor – “Hey Bob, I noticed you were wearing eye protection while turning that component. What’s it like wearing safety glasses?”
Bob – “Absolutely fine. It’s not a problem.”
Safety Supervisor – “And you still followed the safe working procedure. So tell me, why is wearing eye protection so important?’
Bob – “Because if I didn’t wear the glasses, I might risk suffering an eye injury from a flying object.”
Safety Supervisor – “That’s great, Bob. Keep it up. You set a good example for others. Have a great day.”
Safety coaching takes minutes.
Having conversations to remind employees of the Why? helps maintain safe working behaviour and good habits.
I can help. If you are curious about how I can help you with safety coaching techniques, send me a message on 07814 203 977, or use the contact form below or if you prefer, book a 15-minute virtual call. to talk things through.
