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How Do You Deal with An Unsafe Coworker?

Jan. 16, 2019
Understanding your role in the electrical safety arena

Safety isn’t something you leave up to management. It’s your life on the line, so your safety is ultimately your responsibility. That is true, even when the unsafe condition in your work area is a coworker’s behavior. And if it’s just that coworker at risk, the behavior can lead to a breakdown of safety attitudes among others so it can’t be disregarded.

Generally, you can use the following responses as applicable:

  • Consider it a simple mistake and be a safety coach. For example, John has a test lead in each hand; you stop him from taking the measurement and ask him what the safety problem is. Not confrontational.
  • Consider it an attitude problem and apply peer pressure. For example, John just signed the confined entry permit without verifying its conditions have been met; you tell him that’s an unsafe attitude and ask him to explain the right way. A bit confrontational.
  • Consider it a hostile workplace issue, stop work, report immediately to management. For example, you have a generator for lights and John is filling its fuel tank indoors spilling gas all over the floor; you stop, tell him to stop, and contact your supervisor. Very confrontational.
About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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