When I got my first job in manufacturing, I was in my early 20s. I was so green and a little scared of the equipment and what it could do if you performed your job incorrectly. However, I was lucky that my company was super focused on workplace safety. I got involved early on with the behavioral safety program which focused primarily on performing observations. I loved doing observations! Not all of my coworkers felt the same. First, I got to get out of my work area and go talk to my friends in another department. Then, I got to watch them work and perform their normal tasks. I loved learning about how each piece of equipment worked—it was so interesting to me. Lastly, I got to provide feedback to my coworker on how to do things just a little bit better—safer. I found my calling early on!
After a few years working on the production floor, there was an opening for a Behavioral Safety Coordinator. This position would be in charge of the behavioral safety process which included getting workers involved, tallying data, running reports, and developing action plans. I applied for the job and got it! And that is where my love of safety began.
As you check out this website and eventually my book, you will find a ton of resources to help you engage your workforce in the overall safety program. I look forward to sharing a ton of ideas with you!