The video instructs workers on how to act as the first line of defense against unsafe workplace behaviors by promptly correcting peers and, if needed, escalating concerns. It outlines OSHA‑recommended practices, emphasizing employee involvement in hazard identification and the five‑level hierarchy of controls—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment—providing concrete examples for each. The narration stresses workers’ rights to a safe environment, including the ability to receive training in a language they understand, refuse hazardous work, request OSHA inspections, and report injuries without retaliation. It details the proper reporting chain, from notifying a supervisor to escalating to the safety department or OSHA/state agencies when issues persist, underscoring that adherence to training, procedures, and protocols is essential for protecting all employees.
Chapters
If you witness unsafe behavior in the workplace, well, you suddenly become the first line of defense. Correcting a coworker, it can be awkward, I know, but But remember that when it comes to safety, it's better to be awkward than injured. Start by just reminding them of the safety concern. For example, you might witness a coworker forgot to put their safety glasses on before cutting something. You hand them a pair and say something like, "Don't forget these." Hopefully, this solves the problem. But if it doesn't, you may need to take it to the next level. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, has recommended practices for hazard prevention and control to help employers keep all workers safe on the job. OSHA recommends involving employees in developing and maintaining the hazard prevention and control plan, applying the hierarchy of controls to address hazards, and making sure that everyone's on board with those procedures. First, Employers should meet with workers to determine what hazards are present and how they can be eliminated or avoided entirely. Employees should also be aware of OSHA standards and guidance, any manufacturer's instructions for equipment, and all worksite policies and procedures. Being informed, that's the first step in preventing unsafe behaviors. In other words, workers can't follow instructions they don't know or they don't understand. Part of this includes regular inspections of both the workplace environment and employee work practices to identify any unsafe behaviors. Any unsafe conditions or practices should be addressed immediately using what we call, again, the hierarchy of controls. The hierarchy of controls comprises 5 levels to reduce or remove hazards in the workplace. In order, here they are: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Elimination removes the hazard at the source, like removing a toxic chemical or damaged tool, while substitution switches the hazard out with a safer option, such as using a self-retracting box cutter instead of a fixed-blade knife. Engineering controls reduce or prevent the likelihood of workers coming in contact with a hazard. Examples include protective barriers and ventilation controls. Administrative controls directly address work practices that can lead to dangerous conditions, like working without breaks, entering unsafe areas, and performing jobs without training. Finally, PPE, again, that's personal protective equipment, should be properly used to protect employees. Workers should be trained and follow guidance on when and how to use things like gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, and hard hats. The hierarchy of controls can help reduce incidents of unsafe acts and behaviors by limiting and addressing existing hazards in the workplace and promoting training. To further prevent accidents and limit unsafe behaviors, OSHA's developed worker rights and protections that entitle employees to a safe workplace and the right to report unsafe conditions or behaviors without retaliation. Remember, workers are the first line of defense and should report any unsafe acts or conditions immediately. Workers also have the right to receive safety and health training in a language that they understand. They can also refuse to work in hazardous situations, receive required safety equipment, request an OSHA inspection, and report an injury or illness. It's important that everyone works together to keep the workplace safe. This means that if you see something unsafe, well, you should first try to correct the act or behavior if it can be done safely. And if not, or if the issue continues, Report it immediately. But who do you report it to? Well, if you see an unsafe act occurring, just start by notifying your supervisor or otherwise following your company's established chain of command or safety reporting policy. Now listen, if the concern still isn't addressed, it may then be reported through the safety department or if necessary, to OSHA or your state safety agency. Unsafe acts and behaviors in the workplace These put everyone at risk. Following proper training, procedures, and protocols isn't a suggestion. It's necessary for the safety of all workers.
