Episode 269 - Hearing and Listening to Employees about Hazards

Episode 269 is a short but powerful reminder from Dr. Ayers about the difference between hearing employees and truly listening to them when they bring up hazards. The distinction matters because safety leaders often think they’re gathering input, but workers can tell when the engagement is passive rather than active.

  🔍 Key Themes 1. Hearing vs. Listening

• Hearing is passive — you receive sound.

• Listening is active — you engage, ask questions, and seek clarity. Dr. Ayers emphasizes that safety professionals must operate in the listening mode if they want accurate hazard information and trust.

2. Employees Often Have the Best Solutions

Workers usually know the hazard, the root cause, and the most practical fix. Active listening helps uncover these insights instead of defaulting to assumptions.

3. Clarifying Questions Are Essential

Dr. Ayers encourages safety leaders to:

• Ask follow‑up questions

• Confirm understanding

• Repeat back what they heard This ensures the hazard and the proposed correction are fully understood before action is taken.

4. Listening Builds Safety Culture

When employees feel heard, they report more hazards, offer better solutions, and engage more deeply in safety efforts. When they feel ignored, reporting drops — and risks rise.

  ⭐ Takeaways for Safety Leaders

• Don’t just hear hazard reports — listen to them.

• Treat employees as partners in hazard identification.

• Use clarifying questions to ensure you understand the issue and the fix.

• Active listening strengthens trust and improves safety outcomes.