In this day and age of social media and on demand cameras, which many people have on them, if you see someone acting dangerously would you:
- Talk to the person and explain why their act is dangerous
- Take a photo and put it up on social media to draw attention and see if it goes viral
- Or do nothing!!
At work we have a responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all persons affected by our work. One common law duty involves provision of such information, instruction training and supervision. So do we realise that by taking a picture of someone working dangerously or making a mistake it could have a hugely adverse effect on the culture of the organisation?
By taking a picture and not educating the individual, it can lead to the company reputation being affected and to business losses. By using it as a health and safety discussion opportunity it can lead to less chance of it happening again and a more motivated workforce.
Social media has its place in the modern world, but to name and shame a person for making a mistake at work may be a poor use of this modern technical wonder.
To talk and to educate is the way forward, as it solves a problem rather than bringing to everybody’s attention!