As an industry concept, Stop Work Authority (SWA) sounds intimidating, both to the one who exercises it and to the one upon whom it is used. It carries with it what seems to be a force that is so rigid – probably because its intention is to empower and authorize, and because its use is associated with what is usually perceived as wrong. But if we adopt the SWA concept in our daily lives and see it a collective term for all the actions done to stop anyone from putting themselves in danger or doing something that may harm them, then we realize that exercising SWA is actually a very warm, caring gesture.
Following this logic:
Don’t we all use SWA, and more often in everyday situations than at work?
As kids, there was this one moment when we stopped our playmates from doing something that would hurt them, no matter how exciting that thing seemed. At school, there was this one moment when we cautioned classmates against doing something that would get them in trouble. And there’s this whole set of gestures and expressions that we use to warn, stop or prevent someone from bumping into or getting hit by something.
The very nature of SWA is intimidating. But if we see it as the equivalent of those gestures that express our care and concern, then exercising SWA will be natural. And it will be a whole lot easier when we remember that – as said in the video – looking after other people is actually looking out for ourselves, because we'll never know when we will need other people to look out for us.
Like the first two safety videos, this third installment is an Odfjell production – a collaboration between sea and shore. The footage for this video was filmed on board Bow Orion in July.
Thank you to the Captain and crew of Bow Orion for taking care of the filming, and for assisting our shore team until all the requirements for the video were completed.
‘Look out’ is meant to be shown during General Safety Meetings, followed by a discussion. It is supported by a Powerpoint presentation that comes with facilitator’s notes to aid in the discussion.
Enjoy the video, and remember that looking out for other people – whether out of responsibility or out of concern – is also looking after yourself.
Look out for yourself, and for each other.
Harald Bauck
Senior Advisor Risk Management
