Safety Walk and Observations

Be a Safety Leader

A safety walk requires a plan to focus on specific topics and always includes hazard identification (snake hunting). It can deliver commitment from the leader and the employees involved on the walk for actions to be accomplished.

When doing a safety walk, always:

Identify what is safe
Identify what is at risk
Provide feedback

Safety observations are essential to contribute to people’s safety. A safety observation can be positive or an opportunity to improve. It requires you to have knowledge of the agreed standard to give a fair feedback.

Consider the following tips:

We should observe both employees and contractors
Focus on quality observations not quantity observations!
Ask open questions and avoid emotions or saying things such as “I am not an electrician, so I don’t know if it is safe or not”
Ask people what risk they notice
An observation – feedback takes around 15 mins
Always finish the feedback with an agreement

Safety Feedbacks

When giving safety feedback

DO:

Be clear in your mind what to achieve by giving the feedback
Start with the positive
Explain the situation and verify that the other person understands you
Be timely, respectful and polite

DON'T:

Be delayed in giving feedback
Give feedback when you are angry, take some time to calm down first
Don’t rush in the conversation
Avoid handling multiple issues in the same conversation

When receiving a safety feedback

DO:

Be humble
Listen actively
Seek clarification and verify your understanding
Think about the feedback and use it to improve next time

DON'T:

Defend yourself or justify
Get angry or take the feedback personally
Deny what you know is true
Nod your head and agree to everything you hear

Active Listening

When someone address you to communicate issues, concerns or news about safety follow this tips:

Listen

Look interested and keep eye contact
Involve yourself by responding
Stay focused and don’t be distracted
Test your understanding, by responding to the other person
Evaluate the message
Neutralize your feelings and don’t judge or jump to conclusions

For people to feel comfortable to communicate and share all details of the situation it is necessary to also show good body language and take actions/reflections after the conversation.

About

This website is owned and run by Essity AB. The site is dedicated to promote the Life Saving Rules at Essity. These rules are in place to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and visitors to Essity.