In the realm of worker safety, language is not just a tool for communication; it is a powerful primer that shapes the context in which workers approach their jobs and navigate their environments. One striking example of this phenomenon is the language used in incident investigation. When likened to a criminal investigation, the language surrounding incidents can significantly influence how workers perceive safety, accountability, and organizational culture. This article delves into the profound influence of language as a primer in worker safety, providing examples of how altering language positively transforms the context of incident investigation.
The Language of Incident Investigation
Incident investigation is a crucial process in worker safety, designed to uncover the causal factors of incidents or near-misses, implement preventive measures, and ultimately learn. However, the language traditionally used in this context can inadvertently shape negative perceptions and attitudes among workers. For instance, the term “investigation” may evoke images of blame and punishment, rather than an opportunity for learning and improvement.
The Impact of Negative Language
Negative language in an incident investigation can lead to a host of detrimental outcomes:
- Blame and Fear: When incidents are treated like crimes, employees may fear reporting them or providing truthful accounts. This fear can hinder the identification of contextual clues and prevent proactive safety improvements.
- Defensive Posture: The language of investigation can provoke a defensive posture, where individuals and teams may apply or shift blame. This hinders collaboration and problem-solving.
- Missed Opportunities for Learning: Negative language discourages the open sharing of information. Consequently, organizations miss valuable opportunities to learn from incidents.
A Paradigm Shift: Language for Learning and Improvement
To harness the positive potential of language in worker safety, organizations are increasingly adopting a paradigm shift in incident investigation, moving away from punitive language toward a focus on learning and improvement. This shift in language can be framed as “learning reviews” or “learning events”, thereby shifting the context from negative (investigation) to positive (learning). This language shift encourages employees to share their experiences and insights. When the objective shifts from ‘who’ failed to ‘what’ failed, it allows collaboration and communication to occur without fear of reprisal and blame.
The Impact of Positive Language in Incident Analysis
To illustrate the transformative power of positive language in incident analysis, let’s explore two case studies:
Case Study 1: XYZ Manufacturing
XYZ Manufacturing had a history of treating incidents as accidents and investigations as blame-seeking exercises. This approach led to a culture of fear and avoidance, with employees hesitant to report near-misses or safety concerns. Recognizing the need for change, the organization shifted its language and approach. Incidents were reframed as “learning opportunities,” and incident analysis focused on uncovering causal factors and context drivers rather than assigning blame. Employees embraced this positive language, and the organization saw a significant increase in incident reporting. With a wealth of data and insights, XYZ Manufacturing was able to implement proactive safety measures, leading to a remarkable reduction in incidents and an improved culture.
Case Study 2: ABC Construction
ABC Construction had a history of resistance and blame when it came to incident analysis. The language of “investigation” often led to defensive postures among employees. ABC Construction decided to adopt a more positive approach by emphasizing “learning” in its incident analysis process and changing the process to be “learning events”. The change in language encouraged employees to actively participate in incident analysis, leading to the identification of systemic issues. The organization’s commitment to using incidents as learning opportunities not only improved safety but also boosted morale and teamwork among workers.
Language is indeed a powerful primer that shapes the context in which workers perceive and engage with safety in the workplace. By altering the language used in incident analysis, organizations can encourage open communication and foster a commitment to learning and improvement. Additionally, this shift in language must be supported by proper actions by management as well since actions speak louder than words. Simply renaming the process without addressing the fundamental principles upon which it is built is a futile effort. When incidents are viewed as opportunities for growth and solutions, rather than as blame-worthy events, organizations can achieve safer workplaces and empowered, engaged employees.
AUTHOR BIO:-
Cary comes to the SafetyStratus team as the Vice President of Operations with almost 30 years of experience in several different industries. He began his career in the United States Navy’s nuclear power program. From there he transitioned into the public sector as an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager in the utility industry. After almost thirteen years, he transitioned into the construction sector as a Safety Director at a large, international construction company. Most recently he held the position of Manager of Professional Services at a safety software company, overseeing the customer success, implementation, and process consulting aspects of the services team.
At SafetyStratus, he is focused on helping achieve the company’s vision of “Saving lives and the environment by successfully integrating knowledgeable people, sustainable processes, and unparalleled technology”.
