February 29, 2024
Discussions about leadership have been included in the field of occupational safety for some time, and recently it is evolving to include what it takes to be a leader on the waterfront, and growing this definition beyond those that are historically considered in leadership roles by title.
This trend will lead to positive results in closing certain gaps in the application of safety principles in the field. For example…it is well-known that when there is a hazard overhead a hardhat is to be worn. If I am exposed to traffic, powered industrial trucks (PITs), or any moving equipment a high visibility vest, or some kind of approved high visibility material, will need to be worn. Using a machine that could injure my eyes, hands, face, etc. there is well-established personal protective equipment (PPE) that can help me avoid injury if an incident occurs. However, incidents continue to cause injuries and fatalities, and as safety professionals we strive to understand how and why they occur to do what is possible to prevent them. I believe one of the values in this equation is leadership. Now leadership may often be relegated to those who by title are expected to be leaders.
- Presidents and Vice presidents
- CEOs, COOs, CFOs
- Directors, Managers and Supervisors, etc.
However, leadership is found in the person – not the job description.
If you are standing next to someone who is having difficulty lifting something, and you move to assist, you are a leader. You see a problem or a concern, and you make efforts to improve that condition or help others avoid an adverse outcome, you are a leader.
Leadership is in the person and is not dependent upon their circle of influence. Of course, there are leaders in our industry with far reaching influence, and their knowledge and expertise are a critical compass in guiding our maritime community. That said, I have had the good fortune to work alongside, and learn from, incredible leaders and mentors with highly diverse backgrounds, but their names are known only to the few of us that knew them. Yet their influence and leadership while standing next to me as we were doing the work created lessons learned that I carry with me to this day.
Yes, there are parts of leadership that are taught, and considered important pillars to supporting their roles in our industry:
- Working alongside people with diverse needs and personalities.
- Assigning tasks to complete a job, and proper follow up to ensure a successful completion.
- How to resolve disagreements or conflicts.
All necessary to be an effective leader, but this expectation can be expanded and encouraged to those working front line and in the field.
If I look around my work area and do not see someone who would traditionally be in a leadership role: Gang Boss, Foreman, Supervisor, etc. that should not mean we have no leadership present.
Recalling our previous examples… If I am getting ready to climb a ladder, and my partner notices the ladder is damaged there is a choice. My partner grabs my elbow and says, “Wait a minute we need to go get a better ladder,” … or not.
In a classroom setting showing a photo of a ladder with a bent rung, cracked rail, or missing feet it would be a resounding “no” to use that device. Staying with this example it is known that damaged or improper use of ladders leads to injuries and fatalities, but year after year incidents continue to occur. 1
Now my partner and I are out of the classroom, up on the ship, and faced with this decision. Our choice weighs heavily on whether or not an injury or an incident may occur. My partner stands firm and insists we get a safe ladder. I am working with a leader.
It is not a matter of title. It is one person watching out for another, and we work together to create a safe environment for each other and those around us. There are no press releases, safety bulletins, or accolades. Just two people on a ship trying to get the job done while protecting each other.
Then when we go to get a better ladder the response should be, “Good catch – let’s grab you another ladder and take this one out of service.” Support this decision – this is leadership.
An Employee taking what they were taught and directly applying it to the task at hand is a success on every level in the goal to achieve occupational safety.
Leaders are all around us.
1) (2020: 161 fatal work injuries and 22,710 injuries with ladders as the primary source __ https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/fatal-injuries-from-ladders-down-in-2020-nonfatal-ladder-injuries-were-essentially-unchanged.htm )
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or endorsements of any organization or entity. Readers should use their own discretion and consider multiple sources of information when forming their own opinions or making decisions.