Safety Connect Program
This document will review the Safety Connect Program offered by Workplace Safety
Overview & Program Purpose
What is Safety Connect?
Safety Connect is a voluntary, flexible shadowing initiative led by the Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) team.
Its goal is to build stronger safety partnerships by connecting EHS professionals directly with campus employees at their work sites for collaboration, conversation, and shared learning.
Important: Safety Connect is not an audit or compliance inspection. It is a collaborative observation and learning opportunity.
What are the main goals of the program?
Build Relationships
Connect employees directly with EHS staff.Increase Mutual Understanding
Gain insight into daily work tasks and real-world job site challenges.Real-Time Hazard Discussion
Identify and discuss potential hazards as tasks occur.Tailored Guidance
Offer practical safety resources and solutions customized to actual work.Continuous Improvement
Support hazard awareness in a positive, non-punitive environment.How Safety Connect Works
How does a shadow session work?
1
Scheduling
- Sessions are scheduled based on employee availability and may range from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
- EHS may reach out to teams, or supervisors may proactively request a visit.
- Participation is completely voluntary.
2
On-Site Engagement
- Meet the employee or team and discuss the day's tasks.
- Observe tasks in progress with prior permission.
- Ask questions to understand workflows and offer insight.
- Be available for general safety discussion and problem-solving.
3
Post-Visit Follow-Up
- EHS can provide additional documentation, ideas, or resources when requested.
- No formal report or corrective action is issued.
Designed to Be Flexible: Safety Connect works around operational needs and can be adapted to the length and complexity of the work being observed.
Key Information & Program Benefits
What should supervisors know?
- No Compliance Inspections: This is not a regulatory visit, and no compliance reporting is generated.
- Zero Preparation Needed: Supervisors and employees do not need to prepare beforehand.
- Flexible Duration: Visits may be brief or longer depending on the workday.
- Operational Respect: EHS works around busy times and avoids interrupting critical operations.
- Supportive Approach: The program is grounded in listening, learning, and direct support.
Program Focus: Safety Connect is intended to support employees and improve mutual understanding, not to evaluate employee performance.
What are the benefits of participating?
- Helps EHS better understand and support real-world safety needs.
- Gives employees direct, informal access to safety professionals.
- Encourages open communication, trust, and proactive safety engagement.
- Helps identify minor hazards before they become major safety issues.
Next Steps for Supervisors
How can supervisors support the initiative?
- Share the program's collaborative purpose with your teams.
- Help identify good days or times for EHS shadow visits.
- Invite EHS to visit when new work projects begin or operational changes occur.
- Reiterate to staff that participation is voluntary and supportive.
Best Opportunity: Safety Connect can be especially useful when teams are beginning new work, using unfamiliar processes, or want informal EHS input.