There are inherent dangers within a shipyard environment. As an employee, you know that you’re responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your immediate vicinity. How can you help your coworkers value workplace safety as much as you do? Even as a short-term employee, you can be a good example for safety in the shipyard. Here are four ways you can make safety a priority.
- Take initiative.
When you start work in a shipyard, be sure that you’re paying special attention to all the safety material that you’re provided. Review your employee handbook and safety orientation materials. Ask your supervisor if there is more it would be helpful to read and understand. A complete knowledge of the safety programs in the shipyard will help you be a good example for others. - Set an example.
To that end, be sure that you’re always following proper procedure around your coworkers. And when you see them do something that is not approved or could be seen as dangerous, offer correction. You don’t need to be rude or bullying about this behavior. Act kindly, but show them the right way to do something to help them understand and do better next time. - Discuss concerns.
If you do see something that can be a danger to yourself or others in the shipyard, don’t ignore it. Talk to your supervisors and their managers. They want to keep the shipyard as safe as possible so alerting them to problems that you see will be appreciated. They can work with you to improve processes or procedures or enforce safety rules across the board. - Respect teammates.
Another factor in ensuring the safety of everyone in a shipyard is to respect the other individuals on the job. Whether they’re permanent employees or temporary staff, they’re not simply a cog in the machine. Everyone makes human decisions which could help or hurt safety in the workplace. When you relate to one another as people, you’re more likely to develop cooperative strategies to ensure safety procedures are followed.
Are you looking for your next shipyard job where you can be a safety leader? Contact the team at Hutco today to learn more.
