Employees care what the boss thinks of them and the way they do their job. When the boss recognizes and rewards safe behaviors, everyone notices. It’s time well spent! 

By working alongside and observing employees as they work you can begin to offer constructive feedback on any unsafe actions you see. It’s also a chance to recognize safety in action. Your employees will value your interest in and commitment to their safety. 

During your observation, focus on the root causes of your most common and costly accidents and injuries. Personal injuries generally include slips, trips and falls, and improper lifting techniques. 

The most successful behavior modification programs are unannounced and unfiltered. Observe activities such as: 

• Loading or unloading at the station or terminal 

• Pre-trip, in-route or post-trip inspections

• Adjusting mirrors and backing the vehicle

• Operating the vehicle on the road

• Routine tasks during stops

Your goals are to coach employees on understanding their at-risk behavior and to teach them how to develop safe habits. Feedback must be immediate, unbiased and constructive. This should not be used to find fault, but to show true interest in the employee’s safety and well-being. 

By teaching your employees safe habits, at-risk behaviors and costly accidents can be reduced.