What Subtleties Hide Behind "Stop Unsafe Work"

The "Stop Unsafe Work" Tool as Part of a Proactive Culture

The development of a safety culture in modern enterprises is inextricably linked to the transition from a reactive to a proactive approach. The presentation details the "Stop Unsafe Work" tool, which allows identifying hidden risks and preventing incidents before they occur. The speaker explains why traditional control methods are not always effective and how involving workers themselves in the risk assessment process changes the situation in production.

Why Accidents Happen Despite High Levels of Control

Despite posters, briefings, and constant monitoring by HSE specialists, accidents continue to happen. The speaker demonstrates with an example that many unsafe jobs are performed during night shifts or when there is no direct supervision. The reasons lie in habit ("we've always done it this way"), overconfidence of experienced employees, and prioritizing production targets over safety.

• Limited control: One foreman cannot physically monitor every worker in a large area every minute.
• Hidden work: Unsafe actions are often committed when no one is watching.
• Habit of risk: Workers and managers may ignore risks if similar actions have not led to negative consequences in the past.

Dynamic Risk Assessment (DRA) and Personnel Involvement

To solve the problem of hidden risks, it is necessary to develop the skill of dynamic risk assessment in workers. This is the ability to notice danger, understand the need to react, and take action. The presentation emphasizes the importance of shifting from a "that's not my job" attitude to actively identifying and reporting risks to the manager.

• Independent elimination: A worker can eliminate the risk themselves (e.g., close a hatch), but this does not solve the systemic problem.
• Reporting to the manager: Passing on information about a risk helps identify systemic issues and prevent them from recurring in other areas.
• Stopping work: Officially suspending work when unsure of its safety is the highest form of DRA manifestation.

How the "Stop Unsafe Work" Tool Works

The speaker details the algorithm of the tool, which is built on trust and the absence of punishment for its use. The process begins with the worker's own decision and includes several stages of interaction with management.

• Recording: The worker stops the work and records the fact via a mobile app or paper form, notifying the foreman.
• Risk assessment by the foreman: The foreman determines whether the risk is controlled (there are measures the worker didn't know about) or uncontrolled (new measures need to be developed).
• Development of measures: For uncontrolled risks, a commission is created with the mandatory participation of the worker themselves, which allows finding the most effective and practical solutions.
• Feedback: After implementing the measures, the manager informs the worker that the workplace is safe.

Overcoming Fears and Myths

Many workers are afraid to use the stop work authority due to fear of punishment, loss of wages, or deteriorating relations with management. The speaker explains how the company combats these fears through training, incentives, and promoting positive examples.

• Training: Risk management programs help dispel myths and convince workers that using the tool is safe.
• Incentives: Workers who stop unsafe work are rewarded, and instances of using the tool are highlighted in corporate media.
• Working with managers: Managers are trained on how to react properly to work stoppages and are explained the consequences of ignoring risks.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to implement the "Stop Unsafe Work" tool without staff resistance?
• Why is it important to include the worker in the commission for developing corrective measures?
• How does a mobile app simplify the risk recording process?
• What fears prevent workers from stopping unsafe work and how to combat them?
• How to distinguish a controlled risk from an uncontrolled one in practice?