Intervening when someone isn’t working the way they should be at work – not following the rules or taking too much risk – is something we should all feel confident in doing. The rules and standards must be upheld. The expectation is that tasks are performed the right way and safely – or else.
As to why those rules exist in the first place, that’s simple – really. The safety rules have been written in blood. No one wants to suffer a life altering injury while doing the work that needs to be done; that way, they can enjoy the things in life that really matter.
We call that The Case for Safety.
Once you understand The Case – what’s important to everyone in life isn’t worth risking on the job – saying something to someone working in harm’s way becomes a duty, an obligation.
What about when someone is taking too much risk outside of work. Or, for that matter, on the job, just not on your job? What do you say to someone taking too much risk when you have no control over the situation?
Is that really any different than when it’s your job?
The answer is simple: no. They might not be accountable to “your” rules, but rules aren’t the reason to intervene. You really don’t want to see anyone get hurt, no matter who they are, or what they’re doing.
So, say something. The approach you find when “your” rules aren’t the reason will likely be a good one, back on the job, too.
As to why those rules exist in the first place, that’s simple – really. The safety rules have been written in blood. No one wants to suffer a life altering injury while doing the work that needs to be done; that way, they can enjoy the things in life that really matter.
We call that The Case for Safety.
Once you understand The Case – what’s important to everyone in life isn’t worth risking on the job – saying something to someone working in harm’s way becomes a duty, an obligation.
What about when someone is taking too much risk outside of work. Or, for that matter, on the job, just not on your job? What do you say to someone taking too much risk when you have no control over the situation?
Is that really any different than when it’s your job?
The answer is simple: no. They might not be accountable to “your” rules, but rules aren’t the reason to intervene. You really don’t want to see anyone get hurt, no matter who they are, or what they’re doing.
So, say something. The approach you find when “your” rules aren’t the reason will likely be a good one, back on the job, too.
Balmert Consulting
February 2024
February 2024
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