Posted By Stanley Ikeh
Apart from persuasion and all other systems of safety measures put in place to address the high-handedness of workers not adhering to PPE especially the use of eye protectors-not wearing safety goggles and glasses, what other ways can you get the workers stick to the health and safety systems without creating a room of force while trying to get them working safe.
In my organisation, during TBT, where the issues of PPE and safety working system will be highlighted repeatedly, with must emphasis, you still find out that these same workers chose to flop over that is being heard within hours after the TBT.
This issues have always being in my site inspections/observation and I have made every efforts to make these workers understands the importance of working safe with in ONE-MINUTES undermining health and safety rules.

The use of incentives is also in my coffers as a tool. Is it a behavioural safety factor or an attitude of mind. And what other ways can work

Posted By Delwynne
Stanley

A couple of things which we have found work well may be of use to you.

The first way we have tried to tackle this is by using a 'bonus' system which works across a work group. An unannounced inspection is carried out & scored to determine the level of bonus paid. If just one operative is not complying with the rules then the group as a whole is penalised. This creates positive peer pressure for the individual concerned to comply with the relevant rulings.

The other approach is 'positive management intervention'. All managers (from foremen up) are required to 'lead by example' in always wearing the appropriate PPE, complying with the site rules etc etc. If an operative is seen not complying then intervention occurs. It is important that the manager attempts to identify why the individual is not complying, sometimes it is 'ignorance' or forgetfulness, sometimes there is a genuine reason which has been overlooked and needs consideration, sometimes it is just the 'I don't need to' mentality. A fairly extensive training programme is required for all involved but it has been worth it.

We have discovered that a combination of these two approaches has improved compliance significantly. Obviously there are one or two who simply refuse to co-operate for whatever reason and as the previous poster stated, in these situations then disciplinary action is really the only appropriate route to follow. It is very much about changing attitudes which is a slow but worthwhile process in my opinion.

Posted By Andy Brazier
There are many reasons why people do not use PPE. You need to know which of these apply in your organisation before you can decide which intervention is likely to work. The reasons include

1. Macho culture
2. Perception that risk is low
3. Belief that PPE offers no protection
4. PPE makes it difficult to do the job
5. PPE is not readily available when needed

Blanket requirements for PPE can be counter productive. Telling people it is needed all the time when the risk is only present in one area or for few jobs discredits its use across the board.

If you have a macho culture, is this throughout or at a certain level (supervisors can be the problem if they are old school - and have a great influence on what everyone else does). It may be that one or two individuals are bullying others to not comply (i.e. name calling of people sissy enough to need PPE).

As I said, you need to understand the reasons for non-compliance so that you can develop an appropriate strategy.

Posted By garyh
I think that this is a safety culture issue.

Every Manager and Supervisor, from the top down, should be committed to ensuring compliance. They should be ensuring that everyone wears PPE etc.

If someone in their team isn't complying, two people are failing - the employee and their immediate "team leader".

In my opinion, although non compliance with PPE seems to be an issue with the individual, if it is widespread it is a safety culture and management issue.