A stop card is a physical or digital card that employees can use to report unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations in the workplace [3]. The primary purpose of a stop card is to empower employees to take action and stop work if they believe it is unsafe or could lead to an accident [3].
Key Facts
- Definition: A stop card is a physical or digital card that employees can use to report unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations in the workplace[3].
- Purpose: The main purpose of a stop card is to empower employees to take action and stop work if they believe it is unsafe or could lead to an accident[3].
- STOP Program: Stop cards are often associated with the STOP (Safety Training Observation Program) initiative, which is a proactive approach to safety that focuses on changing unsafe behaviors and preventing accidents.
- Elements of the STOP Program: The STOP program typically involves four main elements: training, observation, corrections, and stop work authority.
- Training: Employees receive training to understand the hazards in their work environment and how to work safely around them.
- Observation: Trained STOP observers are responsible for identifying unsafe behaviors as they occur and taking corrective action to prevent accidents.
- Corrections: STOP observers have the authority to stop work if they witness unsafe behavior that could lead to an accident.
- Stop Work Authority: STOP observers have the power to shut down a work process if they believe it is too dangerous to continue.
- Reporting and Documentation: Observations made during the STOP program, including the use of stop cards, are recorded to identify potential safety concerns, trends, and problems in the workplace.
STOP Program
Stop cards are often associated with the STOP (Safety Training Observation Program) initiative, which is a proactive approach to safety that focuses on changing unsafe behaviors and preventing accidents. The STOP program typically involves four main elements: training, observation, corrections, and stop work authority.
Elements of the STOP Program
Training
Employees receive training to understand the hazards in their work environment and how to work safely around them.
Observation
Trained STOP observers are responsible for identifying unsafe behaviors as they occur and taking corrective action to prevent accidents.
Corrections
STOP observers have the authority to stop work if they witness unsafe behavior that could lead to an accident.
Stop Work Authority
STOP observers have the power to shut down a work process if they believe it is too dangerous to continue.
Reporting and Documentation
Observations made during the STOP program, including the use of stop cards, are recorded to identify potential safety concerns, trends, and problems in the workplace.
Conclusion
Stop cards are a valuable tool for empowering employees to take action and prevent accidents in the workplace. When implemented effectively, stop cards can help to improve safety culture and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
References
[1] FAT FINGER: Customized apps to improve asset reliability & workforce safety. (n.d.). FAT FINGER: STOP Safety: A Program in HSE. https://fatfinger.io/stop-safety-a-program-in-hse/
[2] Howard Baker. (n.d.). STOP CARD, an Operational Tool to Change Safety Behavior. SlidePlayer. https://slideplayer.com/slide/13353914/
[3] ComplianceQuest. (2022, October 13). STOP & GO – An Operational Tool to Change Safety Behavior. ComplianceQuest Blog. https://www.compliancequest.com/blog/stop-and-go-card-an-operational-tool/
FAQs
What is a stop card?
A stop card is a physical or digital card that employees can use to report unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations in the workplace.
What is the purpose of a stop card?
The purpose of a stop card is to empower employees to take action and stop work if they believe it is unsafe or could lead to an accident.
What is the STOP program?
The STOP program (Safety Training Observation Program) is a proactive approach to safety that focuses on changing unsafe behaviors and preventing accidents. It typically involves training, observation, corrections, and stop work authority.
What are the elements of the STOP program?
The elements of the STOP program typically include training, observation, corrections, and stop work authority.
Who can use a stop card?
All employees can use a stop card to report unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations in the workplace.
What should be reported on a stop card?
Employees should report any unsafe conditions, behaviors, or situations that they observe in the workplace. This can include things like unsafe work practices, hazardous conditions, or equipment malfunctions.
What happens after a stop card is submitted?
After a stop card is submitted, it is typically reviewed by a safety manager or supervisor. The manager or supervisor will then investigate the issue and take appropriate action to address the unsafe condition or behavior.
How can stop cards help to improve workplace safety?
Stop cards can help to improve workplace safety by empowering employees to take action and report unsafe conditions or behaviors. This can help to prevent accidents and injuries, and create a safer work environment for everyone.