Identifying and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE THREE: IDENTIFYING HAZARDS

Informal observation/Formal Observation Program (FOP)

An informal observation process is nothing more than being watchful for hazards and unsafe behaviors throughout the work shift. No special procedure is involved. All employees should be expected to look over their work areas once in a while.

One of the most effective proactive methods to collect useful data about the hazards and unsafe behaviors in your workplace is the Formal Observation Program, (FOP), that includes a written plan and procedures. For example, safety committee members or other employees may be assigned to complete a minimum number of observations of safe/unsafe behaviors during a given period of time. This data is gathered and analyzed to produce graphs and charts reflecting the current status and trends in employee behaviors. Posting the results of these observations tends to increase awareness and lower injury rates. But, more importantly, the data gives valuable clues about safety management system weaknesses.

Observation is important because it can be a great tool to effectively identify behaviors that account for fully 95% of all workplace injuries. The walkaround inspection, as a method for identifying hazards, just can't identify unsafe behaviors as effectively as observation.

Note: An important policy for successful formal observation procedures is that they are not, in any way, linked to discipline. To make sure this occurs, formal observers should be employees, not supervisors or other managers. Supervisor/manager roles and responsibilities as observers may be quite confusing to those being observed. It's fine for observers to express appreciation when safe behaviors are observed, and warn employees that are not performing safe procedures. Observers should not discipline or "snitch" on employees: To do so ensures the formal observation program will fail as an accurate fact-finding tool.

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