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How to Do It (The Right Way)
Full Brim Safety: Build Smart, Build Safe
The Safety Man
December 24, 2025
How to Do It (The Right Way)
Welcome back, let's Build Smart & Build Safe! We’ve established that everyone has Stop Work Authority and why it matters. Today, we get practical.
One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to speak up is the fear of conflict. If you approach a veteran worker and tell them they’re "doing it wrong," they will likely get defensive. However, if you use Stop Work Authority professionally and focus on the hazard, you’ll find it’s much more effective.
The Four-Step Process
When you see a hazard that requires an immediate pause, follow this simple, professional workflow:
Stop: Verbally notify the person performing the task in a calm, clear manner. You are asking for a "time-out," not starting a fight.
Notify: Inform the supervisor and the safety manager that work has been suspended and explain why.
Investigate: Together with the supervisor and those involved, look at the situation. Is the equipment damaged? Is the PPE missing? Is there a misunderstanding of the JSA?
Correct: Agree on a fix and implement it. Work should only resume once everyone is satisfied the hazard is controlled.
It’s Not "You," It’s the "Hazard"
As an expert who values accuracy, I know that how you communicate is just as important as what you communicate. Using "I" statements instead of "You" statements keeps the focus on safety rather than ego.
The Wrong Way (Accusatory) | The Right Way (Professional) |
"You’re doing that wrong." | "I am concerned about the stability of that ladder." |
"You’re going to get someone killed." | "I noticed that the floor hole isn't covered, and I’m worried someone might trip." |
"You forgot your harness again." | "I see you’re working near the edge; I want to make sure we’re both tied off before we continue." |
Pro Tip: Focus on the outcome, not the person. Instead of saying, "You’re being unsafe," try, "I want to make sure we all get home today. Let's take five minutes to look at this."
The Goal is Resolution, Not Blame
The most effective use of Stop Work Authority ends with the hazard being fixed and everyone returning to work safely. It isn't a "gotcha" moment to get someone in trouble. It’s a collaborative effort to ensure the site stays productive by staying safe.
If the investigation shows that the situation was actually safe, that is okay. A "false positive" is a great training moment and far better than a "false negative" where someone gets hurt.
Tomorrow, we’ll look at the "Wrong Way" to handle this authority—including how ego and retaliation can break the system.
Please share us with your friends for a daily dose of construction safety tips!
-The Safety Man
