In a publication of the National Safety Council’s Journal on Safety Research, it was revealed that young workers fail to report hazards or injuries to their supervisors mainly due to a sense of powerlessness.
However, the same group reported that they would have talked to their supervisors if the latter was approachable and supportive. The key therefore to getting the cooperation of employees to report hazards and prevent injuries is the cooperation of the supervisors.
Why is talking to a supervisor important? 
Although management and employees are equally obligated to report incidents in the workplace, it is management has the power to make the necessary adjustments to equipment, conduct the appropriate training and ensure workers know the hazards of the job.
Talking about safety to your supervisor doesn’t have to be a hassle. Following these tips below would make that a breeze:
1. Stay positive. Take a few moments to calm down if you are stressed or upset before reporting to supervisors. Try offering a practical solution instead of complaints.
2. Share your ideas. This shows that you have genuine concern for yours and everybody’s safety in the workplace. Besides, you may have thought of a solution that nobody else have even considered.
3. Get the facts. If you are unsure of anything, make sure that you get clear answers or instructions from your supervisor.
4. Make time to talk. Unless it is an emergency, wait until your supervisor is free and then set a time to talk which is shouldn’t interrupt with work time.
5. Send the right message. Negative body language could exacerbate the situation instead of finding a solution. To send the right message, talk to your supervisor by looking straight in the eye, standing up straight and keeping body language neutral.
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