Seven Safety Tips for New Supervisors

Introduction

Congratulations on your promotion to supervisor! While this is an exciting milestone in your career, it also comes with significant responsibilities. As a supervisor, you play a critical role in ensuring the safety of your team. With 5,333 workers losing their lives to work-related injuries in the U.S. in 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, your leadership in safety can save lives and prevent injuries. Here are seven essential safety tips to set you up for success in your new role.

1. Learn the Company Safety Manual

Understanding the company’s safety procedures is fundamental. Pay special attention to processes for high-hazard tasks, such as working at heights or on energized equipment. For instance, falls accounted for approximately 400 workplace fatalities in 2019, while electrocutions led to over 150 deaths. Being well-versed in these protocols ensures that you can guide your team safely and stay within project timelines and budgets.

2. Conduct Daily Safety Huddles

Fostering a sense of belonging and open communication is crucial. A morning safety huddle is an excellent opportunity to:

• Reflect on the previous day’s successes and areas for improvement.
• Outline daily expectations and discuss associated risks.
• Encourage team input and provide everyone with a voice.

Keep these huddles brief (7-10 minutes) and focused on promoting safety and collaboration.

3. Prepare the Worksite

Arrive early to inspect the work area for hazards and determine the best ways to control them. Verify that team members are trained for their assigned tasks. If assigning a task to an inexperienced worker, ensure supervision by a safety-conscious colleague. Review safety procedures, inspect tools and equipment, and tag out any damaged items to prevent accidental use.

4. Ensure Proper Use of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical line of defense against workplace hazards. Make sure PPE is readily available and teach your team how to:

• Properly don and doff PPE.
• Maintain and store their equipment.

Reinforce the importance of using PPE consistently to protect against injuries.

5. Empower Employees to Pause Work

Encourage your team to call a timeout if they identify a safety risk or are uncertain about how to proceed safely. By empowering employees to pause work, you create a culture where safety is prioritized over productivity.

6. Address Safety Concerns Immediately

Take all safety concerns seriously, no matter how minor they may seem. Promptly report injuries and ensure appropriate first aid treatment. If you are the designated first aid provider, keep your training up-to-date. Addressing concerns quickly reinforces your commitment to safety and builds trust with your team.

7. Conduct Regular Worksite Inspections

Frequent inspections of the work area are essential to:

• Monitor progress and ensure production goals are met.
• Identify and correct unsafe acts and conditions.

Unsafe conditions may include defective equipment, unprotected floor openings, or inadequate ventilation. Unsafe acts could involve operating equipment without training, bypassing safety devices, or failing to use PPE. Recognizing and addressing these issues proactively prevents accidents and fosters a safer work environment.

Examples of Unsafe Conditions and Acts

Unsafe Conditions:

• Defective equipment or electrical components.
• Improperly guarded machinery.
• Poor storage of hazardous materials.
• Unprotected fall hazards.

Unsafe Acts:

• Operating equipment without proper training.
• Working at unsafe speeds or in dangerous positions.
• Bypassing safety devices.
• Engaging in horseplay.

Conclusion

Being a new supervisor comes with challenges, but your leadership can significantly impact workplace safety. By implementing these seven safety tips, you’ll set the foundation for a safer, more productive work environment. Remember, praise in public and address issues privately to maintain morale and respect. For further insights on leadership and safety, explore resources from The W. Edwards Deming Institute.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov

Washington State Hospital Association. (n.d.). Safety Huddle Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.wsha.org