I learned about “I’m concerned about your safety” as a non-confrontational way to approach a safety and health concern at a safety and health meeting I was at last week. 

I had my first chance to use it this morning while pedaling into the office when I rode by a two-person crew where one person was setting up a tripod (used for rescue) while the other person entered into a sewer manhole (confined space) after popping off the cover and without doing any atmospheric testing. Basically, the entrant was taking his life in his hands and also putting the attendant at risk (more attendants than entrants are killed in confined spaces because the attendant wants to “rescue their buddy”).

After I passed them, I thought long and hard about whether or not to turn around to say something.  A block and a half away, I decided it was worth the extra five minutes to turn around and express my concern…after all I would feel horrible if I read in the paper that something actually did happen there or in the future to either crewmember (and their families) when I could have said something. My involvement got them thinking and taking the right actions. 

Using that phrase allowed me to question what they were doing and say what they should consider doing, and that while it was none of my business, I was concerned for both of them. Quite frankly the attendant was clueless, but the entrant responded in that he knew better and that “Yes they should have filled out an entry permit and tested the space before entering it.” He also said, “Thank you.” 

I pass this on to you as a potential way to address what is often an uncomfortable issue.  While I have taken similar actions in the past, I have always found it awkward knowing what to initially say or how to approach it…and yes, sometimes I came across as an overbearing, know-it-all jerk who is just butting in where he doesn’t belong.  Use the words (or something like them) to address concerns not only with those you don’t know, but with co-workers.

Keep this in your back pocket.  Use it when it’s appropriate… And let me know when you do, I’d like to hear about (and potentially share) when this stuff happens.

Actively caring for someone (even a stranger) is a good thing.