I am my coworker’s keeper

What makes a workplace safe? A dedicated ESH department? Stringent policies? Bubble-wrapped employees?

No matter how detailed the policies, a workplace doesn’t become a safe environment until its employees choose to make it safe–together. An individual’s desire for safe choices is bolstered by accountability to other team members. 

“Accountability is one of three critical components that empower coworkers to protect one another from poor decisions that lead to risky actions and, ultimately, accidents,” said Michelle Andreson, Sanford Lab safety coordinator. “The other two components are responsibility and authority. Together, the three components create an essential balance that helps prevent unsafe acts and promotes a safe work environment.”

What does accountability look like at the Sanford Lab?

5-Point Cards

“Five-point cards were designed to create an awareness of yourself, your work area and your coworkers,” said Roger Hudson, Sanford Lab’s training specialist.

These cards were created by Neil George and introduced to the mining industry in 1942. Once used during the Homestake era, the cards have been revised and remain necessary tools for workers undertaking tasks in the field. The cards comply with MSHA’s policy that working places should be examined during every shift, while encouraging accountability amidst coworkers.

The card includes sections to record your location, as well as check boxes to indicate that you have considered the safety of travel-ways, equipment and work areas, required training, potential hazards and your personal commitment to safety.

A notes section allows you to record summaries on any acts of safety, stop work incidents or incident reports.

An act of safety could include giving a high-visibility jersey to someone who forgot theirs before entering a work area or removing a tripping hazard.

A Stop Work incident occurs anytime an employee feels an operation could become dangerous. At that time, the process is halted and the work assessed. Every employee at Sanford Lab has the right and responsibility to Stop Work if there is imminent danger.

Incident reports must be filled out by the end of each shift. Incidents can include any injury (from a paper cut to broken arm), a spill or an accident (such as a vehicle collision with no resulting injuries).

5-point Cards are then turned in to supervisors.

“Anyone at any time can ask to see your 5-point card,” Hudson said. “This should encourage employees to take into account their approach to their work by physically writing it down.”

Candid Conversation

Knowing how to spot an accident waiting to happen is one thing; however, vocalizing your concern may be difficult for those who feel they may be usurping authority or worried over nothing.

Sanford Lab encourages all employees to voice their concern over even seemingly minute safety hazards. This is reflected in Stop Work policies and the Safety Performance Program.

There is nearly always a way to approach a coworker with tact when correcting their safety choices. A good starting point is to ask, “Would you like me to look out for your safety?” This question begs the answer “Yes,” and allows you to point out your concern in a positive way.

“Looking out for coworkers and their families–that’s why I’m committed to working safely,” Hudson said. “I want myself and my coworkers to go home everyday with fingers, toes, eyes, ears and a nose.”

Safety Performance Program

To create an environment where accountability is welcomed, rather than simply tolerated, Sanford Lab encourages safety through safety award nominations. The Safety Performance Program enables employees to nominate coworkers who go above and beyond “normal” safety routines of the workday.

"That's how you create a safety culture: to make people feel so good they're looking for the next person to help," said John W. Drebinger, Jr. at the American Society of Safety Engineers Safety conference in 2012.  "Pointing out hazards becomes expected when everyone does it and gets praised for it."

Nominations can be given to Michelle Andreson by emailing her at mandresen@sanfordlab.org. The committee representatives then vote at the Safety Committee meetings.