BEH/General/TBT-BEH-004

Challenging Unsafe Behaviour

Behavioural Safety & Leadership › General › Challenging Unsafe Behaviour

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Challenging unsafe behaviour means having a constructive conversation with someone who is putting themselves or others at risk.
Most construction incidents involve an element of unsafe behaviour — shortcuts, complacency, rushing, and ignoring controls.
Challenging unsafe behaviour is every worker's responsibility, not just the supervisor's — peer-to-peer intervention saves lives.
The goal of the challenge is to change the behaviour, not to blame, embarrass, or punish the person involved.
A good challenge is private, respectful, and focused on the behaviour and its consequences, not the person's character.
Start by asking a question rather than making an accusation: 'I noticed you are not wearing your goggles — is everything okay?'
Explain what you observed, why it concerns you, and what the consequence could be if the behaviour continues.
Listen to the response — there may be a valid reason such as defective PPE, unclear instructions, or a misunderstanding.
If the person responds positively, thank them and move on — do not labour the point or create resentment.
If the behaviour does not change after a constructive conversation, escalate the concern to a supervisor for formal action.

Save a life	The person you challenge today may avoid the injury or fatality that their unsafe behaviour was heading towards.
Cultural change	Sites where everyone feels confident to challenge unsafe acts have fewer incidents — the culture protects everyone.
Not about blame	A good challenge is a caring conversation, not a confrontation — it strengthens trust and improves safety for the whole team.

Don't

Speak up immediately when you see someone working unsafely on site.
Approach the person privately and calmly — do not challenge them in front of a crowd.
Ask a question first: 'Can I ask why you are doing it that way?'
Explain what you observed, why it concerns you, and the possible consequences.
Listen to their response — there may be a reason you had not considered.
Focus on the behaviour and the risk, not on the person's character.
Thank the person if they respond positively and correct the behaviour.
Escalate to a supervisor if the unsafe behaviour continues after the conversation.
Accept challenges from others about your own behaviour with the same respect.
Recognise that challenging takes courage — support colleagues who speak up.

DON'T walk past unsafe behaviour without saying something — silence accepts the risk.
DON'T challenge someone publicly in front of their colleagues — speak privately.
DON'T start with an accusation — ask a question to understand the situation first.
DON'T make the conversation about blame — focus on the behaviour and its consequences.
DON'T dismiss the other person's explanation without listening properly.
DON'T make it personal — criticise the action, not the individual.
DON'T labour the point after someone corrects their behaviour — move on positively.
DON'T accept continued unsafe behaviour — escalate if the conversation does not work.
DON'T react defensively when someone challenges your own behaviour — listen and learn.
DON'T discourage others from speaking up — a culture of challenge protects everyone.

See also: Behavioural Safety Awareness | Stop Work Authority

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