Worker Learning Series · Sample session
Stop and ask
before the shortcut.
A short, facilitated discussion that connects a safety message to a decision workers may face.
What workers should be able to do
- Recognize when the approved method cannot be followed.
- Pause affected work and explain the concern.
- Identify who must review the alternative and authorize restart under site arrangements.
1 Prepare the conversation
The supervisor checks the actual site procedure, escalation contact and restart authority before the session. Choose a familiar task. Explain the scenario in the crew’s working language and use a local photograph or demonstration where appropriate.
Make it clear that workers can raise a concern without being ridiculed or pressured to continue.
2 Read the scenario
The approved walkway to a work area is blocked. A shorter route passes through an operating vehicle area. A colleague says, “We have used it before. We will be quick.” The team is already behind schedule.
Pause here: Ask the crew what they would do next and why.
3 Discuss the decision
- What has changed from the approved plan?
- What could happen if we use the shortcut?
- How can we stop the affected task without creating another exposure?
- Who needs to assess an alternative, and what must be checked before restart?
Facilitator reference points
The blocked route means the planned method is unavailable. Vehicle exposure remains even if the shortcut worked before. Schedule pressure does not confirm safety. Pause the affected activity, remain in a safe location and contact the supervisor. A competent review must establish a suitable alternative and required controls. Follow the site’s approval and restart process.
An internal exemption cannot override applicable legal requirements or permit conditions. If adequate controls cannot be provided, the affected work remains paused.
4 Practise the words
Ask pairs to practise a short intervention:
“Let us pause. The approved route is blocked, and that shortcut puts us near moving vehicles. We need the supervisor to confirm a safe alternative before we continue.”
Invite workers to use their own words and language. Keep the concern specific and respectful.
5 Check understanding
Ask each worker to explain one condition that would make them stop, name their escalation contact and describe what needs to be confirmed before restart. Give quieter crew members time to respond. Correct misunderstandings and repeat the check as needed.
Learning evidence: Record what the worker explained or demonstrated and any follow-up required. Attendance alone does not establish understanding.
6 Follow through at the workplace
During the next shift, the supervisor and crew check a real access route against site arrangements. Record any issue, assign an owner and confirm that the action resolves the exposure. Share the result with the crew.
Date and work area
Facilitator
Participants and understanding checked
Action owner and review date