Management Safety Observations-A tool to maintain a strong safety culture

Creating and maintaining a safety culture requires attention to the behaviors of personnel in an organization. This paper discusses the use of a management tool called Management Safety Observations (MSOs) that focuses upon employees' behaviors in the laboratory. Managers use MSOs for informal discussions with employees about details of their work in the laboratory, the hazards that they encounter, measures they use to minimize the risks of hazards, and any safety concerns the laboratory staff might have. MSOs provide educational opportunities for both the employee and the manager, as well as building a more open working relationship between management and staff. Solutions to safety problems involve collaboration between employees and managers to ensure that everyone understands the importance of safety efforts. Examples of MSOs and safety issues that were recognized are presented. MSOs give employees opportunities to more carefully consider the safety of their daily operations, reinforce to employees that managers are truly concerned about their personal safety, and that some safety issues can be uncovered by simply discussing procedures associated with laboratory work one-on-one.