If you work on a construction site, you probably know all the safety risks involved. They include lack of fall protection, faulty ladders, and insufficient head protection. You would be wise to speak up if you notice any of these concerns on your site.
Here are a few reasons to consider speaking up about health and safety concerns at your construction site.
- Silence May be Mistaken for Approval
If you are silent about the safety and health issues at your construction site, the management will likely assume everything is fine. They may mistake your silence for approval of the existing working conditions.
Staying silent seems like the best way to stay in conflict. However, it only sets you up for future conflict. Silence can communicate just as much as your words. Disapproval can be pointless if you don’t say anything about it. It can be just as bad as enabling the problem.
- Others May be Facing the Same Concerns
If you run into health and safety concerns, other workers may face the same problems. They may be afraid to voice out their concerns. However, speaking up for yourself could motivate them to do the same.
If everyone stays quiet, nothing will change. The hazardous situations and conditions could remain the same for a long time.
- What if someone is injured on your construction site?
You may have enabled the situation if someone is injured on your site because you didn’t speak up. If you stay silent out of the fear of offending, you are working against the greater good.
When you and other workers are exposed to poor working conditions and situations, staying silent is selfish. You could be the difference between life, serious injury, and death.
If someone is injured before or after you report the matter, seek the help of attorneys like www.wieandlaw.com as soon as possible. Do some research to make sure you are working with the right lawyer. They should be experienced and passionate about similar issues.
- Others May Not Have Identifies the Issue
Sometimes, you are the first one to detect a problem. If you notice a hazard compromising other workers’ safety and health, don’t assume that everyone has seen it. What seems obvious to you won’t necessarily be obvious to others.
You may have the knowledge and experience to assess situations that others lack. No one has your perspective. Reporting even the smallest problem could provide the piece of the puzzle needed to fix more significant issues.
- Avoiding Miscommunication
Speaking up when you have something to say opens up communication channels. It reduces the risk of miscommunication. No matter how great your intentions may be, they may be misinterpreted if you don’t express them.
For example, you may be mistaken for hesitating to work if you don’t express your health and safety concerns. Sit down with everyone involved and address your concerns. You could help create a culture of open communication on the site.
Safety must be rooted in your company culture. However, this is impossible if no one ever speaks about health and safety concerns. Your voice could be the nudge everyone else needs to start moving in the direct direction. It could encourage others to speak about their experiences and general concerns.
If you choose to speak up, take some time to prepare first. Be specific about your issues and anticipate a few questions.
Focus on the critical facts and give solid explanations for why the issue is essential. If you can, recommend a few solutions. Focus on the present and the future rather than the past.
