Don't Quit!

Safety Matters and we are making a Difference! Don't Quit!
I have talked to some safety professionals who feel we are fighting an uphill battle. They are frustrated because some workers 'just don't get it' and they (the safety people), 'don't know what to do.'

Wish I had the answer...I don't but here are some thoughts:
-Keep fighting the good fight, but don't look at it as a fight! We need to utilize positive reinforcement whenever possible. (My buddy Denny and I have presented our presentation, 'Putting a 'POSITIVE Spin' on Safety! at numerous conferences, and I believe that is the answer.) We can no longer be the cop on the corner -- catching people making mistakes (safety is not about punishing people it is about getting them home Safely). We need to do more coaching, teaching, and mentoring. We also need to get the rest of the management team to assist in this endeavor.

-People want to 'Do the Right Thing'. We all make mistakes, but we must believe that the majority (if not all) of our employees are good people trying to earn a living. They are not coming to work looking to get hurt. When injuries occur, we must not look only at what the worker did or didn't do. We must understand why... you have to look at the management systems to see if there are gaps!

-Set them up for SUCCESS! If you want employees and supervisors to do well, give them the tools they need to be successful. Give team members the training and support they need. Solicit their input and encourage workers to speak up; Get them in the game. Give them the leadership they need.

-Safety Leaders have to use different approaches for different people. Sometimes our approach doesn't produce the results we desire. That is a good time to change your approach. Remember nobody cares how much you know UNTIL they know how much you care!

Two things I do know:
We ARE Making a Difference and We Will Succeed!
Below is a modified version of something I heard a long time ago regarding Success -- (I think it was from Tom Peters.)

SUCCESS!
If you believe in God, you're half way there!
Believe in this Great Country, and you're three quarters!
Believe in yourself and you are there, and you are there as long as you never give up!

"There seemed to be endless obstacles... it seemed that the root cause of them all was fear.” -Joanna Field

Gotta run...someone's knocking at the door... it may be Opportunity!