It has been almost two years since I immersed myself in the topic of safety culture. The most surprising discovery back then was high-risk work audits. Coming from a production control and supervision background, accustomed to the simple “Inspection-Directive-Punishment” system, I was very surprised during audit training when the instructor mentioned that one needs to ask permission to enter a work zone or carefully inspect a tool. The contractors were surprised too. Since then, the words “inspection” and “violation” have been thoroughly removed from my vocabulary and that of my colleagues. There is the audit of safe high-risk work performance, there is the “norm,” and there are “deviations” from the norm. The auditor's task is to return the worker to the norm without resorting to punishment.
Where should an auditor start? First and foremost, with themselves. Before entering the shop floor, you must inspect yourself: is all PPE worn? Is it worn correctly and in good condition? If you are not going alone, inspect your colleagues as well. Better yet, ask one of your colleagues to inspect you.
So, all PPE is in place and functional, the route is planned, the work plan is defined, checklists are prepared, and pencils are sharpened. Next, I suggest moving away from the descriptive and step-by-step part of conducting audits and going straight to the criteria for a high-quality audit using the example of a high-risk work audit:
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Criterion |
Explanations |
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The auditor greeted and introduced themselves. |
It might seem like a small thing, but it's very important. The start of the conversation sets the emotional tone for all subsequent discussions during the audit. |
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The auditor explained the audit objectives. |
Two goals are achieved at once here. We explain to the workers what we want from them, and at the same time, we reinforce our own understanding of what we want to achieve as a result of the audit. This prevents the audit from turning into an inspection where someone must be punished for something. |
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During the audit, the auditor does not distract from work, does not enter the danger zone, and does not touch tools or equipment without permission. |
After arriving at the work site, it's necessary to identify the worker we can talk to without needing to stop the work. Usually, this is a foreman or supervisor. It is IMPORTANT to ask permission for everything: entering the work zone, taking photos, inspecting tools, PPE, etc. With a sense of their own importance comes a sense of responsibility. |
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Upon discovering risks to the workers performing the work, the auditor suspends the work until necessary measures are taken. |
Well, no explanation is needed here. For us. But we should try to explain to the workers what performing work under risky conditions can lead to. |
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The auditor filled in the necessary checklist fields with a resolution on the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of questions relevant to the work being performed. |
Provided the audit is conducted using a checklist. It is also important to familiarize the responsible worker you are talking to during the audit with the checklist. |
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The auditor gave feedback to the workers. |
As we know, any feedback should start with positive points. Then you can move on to discussing deviations and corrective measures. |
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The auditor thanked the workers for their time and said goodbye. |
Established myths and stereotypes among workers crumble when they hear words of gratitude from someone who came to “inspect” them. And praise, mentioned slightly above, has an even greater effect. |
This is just a brief overview of audit principles. There are quite many of them, but there is only one goal — safe performance of work.
P.S. It is recommended to fill out checklists with a pencil. In low temperatures, which is relevant now, a ballpoint pen might fail you at the crucial moment.