Stay Safe: Your Toolkit for Navigating Crises and Improving Safety on the Manufacturing Floor
When a crisis occurs on the manufacturing floor, you want to add water to the fire, not oil! But in the bustling and technical manufacturing industry, many people overlook the importance of critical thinking and emotional intelligence, which means they might not have the tools and mindset they need to safely and effectively navigate threats, violence, and other dangers in their organization.
As the founder of the Stay Safe Project, Carol Cambridge is an expert when it comes to navigating and preventing workplace violence and conflict. Through her work with the Stay Safe Project, Carol teaches others how to navigate fear and use their critical thinking skills to get through an emergency or crisis.
3 Ways to Grow Your Toolkit for Navigating Crises and Improving Safety
1. Learn the Difference Between Reporting and Tattling
When someone experiences or hears something potentially dangerous, whether it’s an unsafe procedure or a threat of violence, reporting it can save lives. But unfortunately, many people hesitate to report. There are many reasons why a team member might be reluctant to report a threat. For example, they could fear retaliation from another employee, or be afraid of losing their own job if they speak up. Other times, they might be worried of being perceived as “tattling,” and believe they’ll come across as unprofessional or immature.
However, there’s a key difference between reporting and tattling. Simply put, reporting involves sharing behavior that feels threatening or uncomfortable. Tattling, on the other hand, involves petty grievances or belittling others. By making sure everyone in your organization is aware of these important distinctions, you can create a culture where people feel safe and confident in speaking up when they encounter a threat or issue.
2. Understand Behavior Changes
As a leader, it’s important to get to know your team. Connecting with your team and being present on the floor is great not only for improving morale and productivity, but it also gives you the chance to spot dangerous changes in behavior. When someone poses a potential threat to your organization’s safety, there are often early warning signs. By being aware and knowing the signs, you can take the necessary steps to address and prevent a crisis.
When interacting with your team, look out for changes in behavior. For example, if a usually calm team member suddenly begins acting angry and combative, it might be a sign of a deeper issue. Other indicators can include changes in hygiene, weight, or general appearance, like dressing unprofessionally. If you notice someone displaying changes like these, approach them with curiosity, not judgement, and see how you can work with them to address their underlying issues before the situation escalates.
3. Familiarize Yourself with De-Escalation Strategies
When an issue isn’t reported or detected, it can lead to dangerous situations. As a manufacturing leader, it may fall to you to de-escalate the crisis. To prepare and make sure you’re not caught off guard if a crisis occurs, familiarize yourself with de-escalation strategies. Make sure you’re equipped with the tools and strategies you need before a crisis ever occurs, so you’ll be ready to respond calmly, efficiently, and safely.
In the podcast, Carol shares a few simple de-escalation strategies for handling heated situations, like having conversations in a neutral and visible space, such as a conference room. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing de-escalation over searching for an immediate solution. In a crisis, emotions can be high, and people may need time to cool off before they can rationally and safety work to resolve the issue. By recognizing this need, you can find ways to safely navigate an immediate crisis, while still leaving space for finding a solution.
Learn More on the Podcast
To hear from about workplace safety with Carol Cambridge, listen to her episode of Mindfulness Manufacturing here.