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Forestry work is demanding, with extended hours in harsh outdoor conditions and ever-present safety hazards. These hazards were compounded by the fact that workers’ literacy levels are low and employees who are not proficient in English were expected to read long, complex safety policies and work procedures, which they then had to communicate to team members.
Changing our safety communication approach
Against this backdrop, we realised we had to change the way we communicated about safety. Research showed that the audience loved stories, so we adopted a storytelling approach in asking the audience to Stop and Think Before you Act (STBA). Visuals made the STBA concepts easier to understand and teach, increased engagement, and improved uptake and recall. Research also showed that symbolism and similes would work well with the audiences. The STBA process was incorporated into stories showing how we all have the power to choose our destiny by introducing a hero and a villain.
Clever Me
The audiences named the hero character ‘Clever Me’. They named the villain ‘Stupid Me’ he was the one who did not stop and think. He was prone to be injured or killed on the job and his family suffered the consequences. We were concerned about using the word stupid to describe a person, as we felt it was disrespectful. Research showed us that we were mainly wrong, as only about half of one small sub-group team objected to the name. Their material was adopted to reflect the name they gave the villain (‘Irresponsible Me’).
The initiative has had high levels of uptake amongst contractors and their employees and has significantly increased safety awareness.
Harnessing the power of STBA during COVID-19
Snippet from the Facebook page
“During this period, what Stop and Think means to me is that I have to be more alert and vigilant of my surroundings. As we navigate through our daily responsibilities it’s vital that in every move we take we should stop and take a minute to review the environment and proceed when safe to do so, not only for my own sake but also for the sake of others, and most importantly Wear a Mask, Sanitise and Maintain a Safe Distance. It is important to always remind ourselves and those around us about the hazards we face daily and to apply STBA principles on a daily basis. My behaviour is my choice!”
- Ntuthuko Mbense, Management Forester (Ndubazi plantation Mpumalanga)
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the STBA principles back to life, as we literally need to stop and think about our actions at work and at home. It also means we need to work together during this time to create awareness for individual employees. It is important that we remain aware of all the hazards in our workplace, whilst fighting against COVID-19.”
- Uzanazo Duma, Transport Foreman, BM Enterprises, a Sappi contractor
The BM Enterprises team observing all safety protocols.
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