Here's the thing: Unsafe work means something is not right. It can be a conscious mistake, like taking shortcuts. It can be unintentional, like being so sure you unplugged the machine you are using only to realize it’s the other machine you unplugged. Or it can be totally out of your control, like the dripping of some chemical just when you are about to walk in.
Essentially, stopping unsafe work is pointing out that something is not right – a wrongdoing, an oversight, or an actual hazard. Here's another thing: Pointing out that something is not right – or in this case, stopping unsafe work – is not easy, especially in a hierarchical setting like that of a ship’s.
Stopping unsafe work is never easy for newcomers who know that they hardly know anything. Who are they to question the ill-conceived plan of the Chief Cook who is supposed to teach them the industry’s tricks and trades?
Stopping unsafe work is apprehensive for junior officers who have a long way to go in their career and have a lot to prove. What would the Captain think if they point out a miscalculation on the voyage plan?
Stopping unsafe work is concerning for tenured crewmembers who have been lifelong friends with everyone. How will their best pal Pumpman feel if they confront him about taking that shortcut that endangered his life?
Stopping unsafe work is challenging, even for the officers. How do they address an issue without being too intrusive? How do they correct an erring behavior without embarrassing the person?
So: Every time a fellow crewmember stops you from doing an unsafe work or pulls you out of an unsafe situation, remember how much courage they had to gather so they can come up to you and protect you, or even save your life.
Say thank you. And stay safe.
Harald Bauck
VP Risk Management
The statement I say ‘thank you’ if someone stops my unsafe work is derived from the Odfjell 2020 calendar. These statements are excerpts from our description of HSSE Excellence, and are recommended as themes for the General Safety Meeting.
