Geigle's Five “STARS” of Safety Leadership

I've recently developed a template for training managers about their safety leadership responsibilities. I've grouped responsibilities into five areas that creates the acronym, "STARS." It's easy to remember, and can serve as the basis for your classroom training in any safety topic. You can get up in front of the class, draw five stars on the board, and take it away with mini-lectures, discussion, questions, and group activities. If the subject changes, no problem. You've got the five STARS.

I've developed a quick training outline using this format for supervisor responsibilities related to a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program. Take a look. After drawing the first of five stars on the white board ask:

Revise and follow this basic outline:

1. Supervision

Detect and correct PPE hazards before someone gets hurt. Inspect and observe:

Conduct the Worksite Hazard Assessment

• Conduct initially and annually thereafter
• Determine the nature of hazards that require the use of PPE.
• Complete the Worksite Hazard Assessment Worksheet.
• File on-site where other safety records are kept.

Conduct PPE inspection

• Randomly no-notice – during your daily activities – Use the PPE Inspection Record if needed
• Daily – employees inspect before and after each use. Informal. No documentation required.
• Quarterly - Use the PPE Inspection Record
• You need not evaluate all PPE on a site at once.
• You may schedule monthly or random PPE inspections as you like.
• Make sure PPE that is not specifically issued to individuals is inspected quarterly
• Keep Inspection Records with the Site Safety Records.
• Oversee the use of PPE
• Catch errors before someone gets hurt

2. Training

Educate employees why PPE is important. Train them how to use PPE.

• Initial “Safety First” Orientation and Training – basic overview on PPE and how to use. Conducted at the Training Center.
• Initial on-site PPE training – more specific how to use – don't assume common sense
• Use the Safety Training Certification Record – Employee and trainer complete record at time of training. Supervisor or designated person certifies fully qualified prior to three month “apprenticeship” period.
• Use the Safety Meeting Attendance Record – When reviewing PPE topics at safety meetings.
• Training must cover:
• why PPE is necessary
• when PPE is necessary
• what PPE is necessary
• how to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE
• the limitations of the PPE
• the proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE
• Evaluation knowledge and skills during PPE training will include:
• Include verbal questions and/or a written exam
• Include practical skills demonstration

Document formal PPE training with the Training Certification Record

3. Accountability

Require everyone follows PPE safety rules and practices. If justified, correct for non-compliance and always recognize for consistent excellent performance.

• The Supervisor should:
• carry out all PPE Program responsibilities
• provide everyone with required PPE
• require everyone to adhere to policies, procedures and rules
• make sure everyone receives training as appropriate
• All employees who perform tasks that require the use of PPE should:
• properly use and maintain PPE
• Inspect PPE for defects before/after each use
• document quarterly PPE inspection
• report PPE defects
• replace defective PPE
• properly clean and store PPE
• remind coworkers to properly use and wear PPE
• report incidents, symptoms of overexposure, injury or illness while working with PPE
• refuse to perform tasks if approved PPE is not provided
• refuse to be exposed to any hazard requiring PPE until properly instructed and trained on the proper use of PPE

4. Resources

Purchasing and Issuing - PPE Make sure they always have quality PPE and they're not too hurried to use it.

• Purchasing PPE – Site Supervisors
• Order from Purchasing Department
• Use a Purchase Request for PPE
• Notify HSE Department if substitutes, or other items not on the List of Approved Safety Supplies are needed
• Safety Department - Evaluates and selects PPE, and updates the List of Approved Safety Supplies
• Purchasing Department - Processes Purchase Requests so that PPE arrives to the site within two weeks.
• Initial Issue of PPE – Use the PPE Initial Issue Record.
• Initial Issue of PFAS equipment - Inspect PFAS when issued using the Fall Arrest System Inspection Record and use the Personal Fall Arrest Equipment Register to help keep track of the equipment on site.

5. Support

No matter where in the company we may work, no matter what tasks we may be working on, we must never compromise on safety.

• Support demonstrates leadership
• What does support look like -
• Make sure you walk the talk
• Make sure people have time
• Make sure people aren't overloaded
• Do what you say you're going to do
• Fulfill all your obligations
• Be tough because you care
• Never encourage safety... ...insist on it!
• Never ignore safety policies and rules
• Never allow unsafe behavior
• Never pressure people work fast

Source: OSHAcademy - Steven Geigle