Iron fist in velvet glove
Latest article by Safety Differently
Extract:
Many companies and consultants selling Occupational Health and Safety systems and culture believe in what they call “the iron fist in the velvet glove” approach to safety. The “iron fist” is based on the premise of four strikes and you’re out. Four safety indiscretions and the punishment is dismissal. After the first offence a commitment is gained from the employee not to digress again in the future. Catch the person again and a written warning is issued. Another indiscretion and the final warning is issued. Then with the fourth indiscretion: dismissal. Some safety professionals and managers state ‘it sends a strong message to other employees’ or ‘nothing like banging someone to the cross outside the city walls to show the next person what happens when you upset the Romans’.
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