Episode 193 - Occupational Safety - Safety Inspection A Different Set of Eyes

Dr. Ayers explains why bringing in a person who is not familiar with the area or worksite can dramatically improve the quality of safety inspections. A “different set of eyes” sees hazards that regular personnel overlook due to routine, familiarity, and normalization of risk.

  🧠 Key Themes 1. Familiarity Blinds Us to Hazards

People who work in the same area every day naturally stop noticing:

• Minor hazards

• Workarounds

• Unsafe conditions that have become “normal”

• Small deviations from procedure

A fresh observer spots what others have learned to ignore. Sources:

  2. Outsiders Bring Unbiased Observation

Someone unfamiliar with the worksite:

• Asks basic questions insiders no longer think about

• Notices unusual conditions

• Challenges assumptions

• Sees the environment without pre‑existing mental shortcuts

This leads to more accurate and complete inspections. Sources:

  3. A Different Perspective Improves Hazard Recognition

Dr. Ayers emphasizes that rotating inspectors or inviting people from other departments helps identify:

• Hidden hazards

• Inefficient or unsafe practices

• Gaps in housekeeping

• Issues that blend into the background for regular staff

This strengthens the overall inspection program. Sources:

  4. Cross‑Functional Inspections Strengthen Culture

Using a variety of inspectors:

• Builds shared ownership of safety

• Encourages collaboration

• Helps employees see safety from new angles

• Reinforces that inspections are about learning, not blame

This improves engagement and trust across the organization.

  🚀 Leadership Takeaways

• Familiarity hides hazards — fresh eyes reveal them.

• Rotating inspectors increases accuracy and reduces blind spots.

• Cross‑functional participation strengthens safety culture.

• A “different set of eyes” is one of the simplest ways to improve inspections.