r/SafetyProfessionals • u/Ok_Pass5680 • 7d ago
USA Interacting with Employees
Icebreakers for introducing yourself as a new EHS Specialist for the site? Also, how can I make sure I’m maximizing my time introducing myself? I don’t want to distract them from working or create a safety hazard from trying to meet them either.
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u/AFireinthebelly 7d ago
I use “Hey, how’s it going”.
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u/FastWalkingShortGuy 7d ago
First and foremost: learn their tasks.
Spend time with them; let them train you.
Tell them to treat you like a trainee and teach you.
You know how it should be done; they know how it is done.
Get approval from your management to spend time on the floor with them actually performing the work.
You'll get to know all their names, you'll tell jokes and build trust, and most importantly, they won't look at you like a wuss if they know you're willing to get your hands dirty.
They'll be a lot more receptive to changes if they know you know what they do.
Just my experience.
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u/PKSafety_Rick 7d ago
These are many of the same thoughts I had after reading your post. Whether myself being new or watching others, the best success has always come by showing them that you are willing to get in the trenches and get your hands dirty, that you want truly want to understand what it is that they do, and then do a LOT of listening. It lays a foundation of respect and will make them so much more likely to be receptive to you when you do start making changes because they feel heard and included.
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u/Alert-Bar9600 7d ago
Call a large formal meeting to tell them about your safety degree, certifications, and KPI accomplishments; make sure you bring donuts. Include how you’ve lowered EMRs and LTIs in your past stops and be sure to point out everything you noticed on the walk from the front office to the break room. Whatever you do, DO NOT interact with them in casual small groups or one on one like a regular new-hire peer of theirs would. They need to know that the VP of Production personally brought you in to solve tough problems that have plagued them for years. By no means should you make a personal connection with anyone who appears to be a title-less but popular worker.
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u/Ok_Pass5680 7d ago
No offense, none of the frontline employees want to hear any of that. They would simply take a donut and leave.
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u/FeeHistorical9367 7d ago
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but this statement tells me that you don't have support from upper and middle management? It's going to be a tough job without that.
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u/NewViewSafety 7d ago
Man, I really read “incinerating employees” at first and I need to go to bed…
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u/Effective_Course3288 7d ago
We can incinerate employees now? I could have been incinerating this whole time.
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u/Regular-Excuse7321 7d ago
Use the 4Ds questions and talk to people about WORK - not about 'safety'.
Nobody gives a shit about safety - that's your job.
(Sarcastic hint: HOW they DO their job IS safety, but everyone ignores that. So talk to them about safety in their terms - WORK).
Here is a video for reference. https://youtu.be/96eYE_OqDd8?si=tpazKsHJVBcvoSSf
Also - always start by asking 'What do we get you to do that's DUMB?' This way your acknowledging the company asks them to do dumb shit and you know it. You just want them to be honest. It opens up the conversation for the stuff that comes after.
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u/Historical_Cobbler 7d ago
Aren’t you doing job training for the safety element of their roles?
Hi I’m X, you’ll see me around learning what you do and I’m looking forward to spending time with you. Any concerns come and get me.
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u/AspectOk1746 5d ago
I took my parents very useless pug to a dog park the other day. There was only one other dog there, a border collie. It ran up to the pug and dropped a ball at its feet then took two steps back but maintained strong eye contact. I thought, woah, great strategy buddy, you made it clear you’re here to play ball, but no pressure. It’s such a great icebreaker….. you would have to be pretty confident though. For the record the pug sniffed the ball and attempted to lick the collie, but they did work some sort of fog game out in the end
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u/SuperViolinist9400 4d ago
Depends on what kind of industry you’re in.
I’d say no icebreakers though. One of my biggest pet peeves is treating workers like they’re children. This isn’t kindergarten, it’s work.
Bring donuts/coffee, make your intro less than 5 minutes. No one gives a shit about your qualifications/certifications. Tell them what industry you’re coming from/how many years you’ve been at it at most. The important thing is to make it clear that you’re looking forward to learning from them and you’re there as a resource and support for them. Let them know that you’re going to try to go around and meet them as you go.
I’d end with the statement, “If anyone has any questions, advice, or concerns, please talk to me after.” This opens a door to get to know your new assignment a bit better off the bat if anyone bites.
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u/DiminishingSkills 7d ago
Research 4D questions and/or Learning from Normal work. Some pretty good questions to get employees talking.
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u/Terytha Construction 7d ago
I sent an email and told them if they wanted PPE or help with paperwork they should stop by my desk and say hi. Its working remarkably well, though that may just be our company culture.
I also go out and chat with people which is why I occasionally get "oh, you're Safety Terytha!"
Its a dumb nickname but could be worse ngl.
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u/shipwrecked_soul 7d ago
As someone who is socially awkward, the most effective way I found was to keep it short and direct. Introduce yourself as the new safety specialist, you're just going around wanting to meet everyone and to let everyone know that you're here for them and your door is always open.
Just continuously hit the floor, continue driving engagement and over time you'll build those relationships.