There is an intersting question that all supervisors, reagardless of their level or expertise, should learn to ask themselves constantly.  That question is. “How do I know…?”  This question causes a leader to investigate the answer and look towards their leadership processes that assure them that others are following the right procedure, being careful, following permit conditions, and others.  The question is test and a prompt to follow up and to make sure that things are being done right and that their teammates are fully equipped and ready to excute the tasks of the day safely.  Some examples of how this question can be used by both supervisors and workers:

• How do I know that this is the right procedure to be used for this task?
• How do I know that this line is bled down from the pressure that it had so I can work on it safely?
• How do I know that this vessel is safe to enter?
• How do I know that the worker that I assigned to do that job is trained, qualified, and competent to do the task I just asked them to perform?
• How do I know that everyone is fit for duty today?
• How do I know that this equipment is fully de-energized before I move it, or work on it?
• How do I know that I have the correct PPE for executing this job?
• How do I know that if I drop this tool, that it won’t hurt anyone when it falls?
• How do I know that the equipment I am about to use is in good working condition and it won’t create a risk for me when I start to use it?
• How do I know….

"How do I know…” is a great test question that we all need to get into the habit of asking tht ensures we are ready to go to work and have all the right procedures, training, mindset, and PPE to do so safely.

“How do I know” is a powerful tool that can be used by leaders, supervisors and workers to engage their minds before they engage their hands to begin work.  It is a tool that causes people to check, and double check, the conditions and situation to allow them to execute their work safely.   Maybe it’s something that we can all use a little bit more.