When a hazard is recognized at work, who has the authority to stop work and address the hazard? The manager, supervisor or a foreman on the job site? If the answer is not everyone and anyone, then it is time to rethink your procedures on identifying hazards.
Hazards can happen anywhere and at any time. If your employees — all your employees — don’t feel the freedom to speak up and stop work to correct the hazards, then they are being put at risk.
Our industry can have several different layers of danger, from less serious hazards like an unlabeled can of paint to more serious hazards like trench cave-ins and confined-space entry hazards. And there are many hazards in between that can cause injuries, property damage and in some cases even death.
Employees of all positions can feel more empowered to speak up with proper training and backing from managers, supervisors and foremen. Even providing some sort of recognition to those who do speak up will inspire others to speak up as well. The message of “Stop Work Authority” should be taught in safety training as well as messaging throughout the organization so that everyone gets the message.
Some examples of when stop work authority should be used:
- An employee witnesses an unsafe act by another employee.
- A clear hazard that threatens the safety of the employee and other employees. Examples include a trench wall cracking, water accumulating in the bottom of a trench, a gas meter alarm sounds in a confined space, incorrect lockout/tagout procedures, improperly set up work zone, employee not wearing personal protective equipment as required and working around fall hazards without fall protection.
- A near-miss incident that could recur.
- An employee witnesses another employee misusing a tool or equipment. Examples include hand and power tools, demolition saws, forklifts, excavators, backhoes and concrete saws.
- Any unsafe condition.
- An employee using chemicals improperly or without proper PPE.
- Improper operation of vehicles — speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving.
- Improper lifting techniques.
- Signs of poor housekeeping — slip, trip and fall hazards.
Once an employee sees a hazard that they can quickly correct, they should feel empowered and responsible to do so whether it is rolling up an unused electrical cord, putting away tools to eliminate a trip hazard, or handing out hard hats and safety glasses to employees in need.
For the stop work authority to work, great communication is a must. When an employee sees a hazard that requires more involvement, they must report the hazard to the supervisor or foreman who then should investigate the hazard. Then the supervisor should contact the qualified employees who are able to correct the hazard. Once the hazard is corrected, the supervisor should inform employees that the hazard is corrected and work can resume. This may take minutes, hours or even days depending on the hazard, and this is why proper communication is needed.
The benefits of having a stop work authority policy are that employees feel empowered to speak up, and when they do this protects workers from hazard and possible injury. Having a policy also protects employees from any reprisals or other negative consequences for reporting the hazard. An employee working unsafely or ignoring a hazard may take offense to the employee who reports the hazard. That employee who makes the report should feel protected. This type of policy will also encourage a good overall safety culture within the workplace.
All employees should feel the responsibility and obligation to stop work when they see a hazard or unsafe condition. Ongoing messaging and training should continue so that there is no drop-off in reporting due to complacency.
Ronnie Freeman is safety director for Mount Pleasant (South Carolina) Waterworks and Safety Committee chair for the Water Environmental Association of South Carolina.
