701 Effective Safety Committee Operations

Role Conflict

Role conflict arises when an individual faces incompatible demands or expectations within different roles they occupy.

Conflicting roles can be challenging for someone who is both a line employee and a member of a safety committee.

To better understand this concept, let's consider a scenario in which a line supervisor, who is also a member of the company's safety committee, is conducting a safety inspection. When is it appropriate for the supervisor to discipline employees for unsafe behaviors?

The following examples describe two situations that could result in role conflict:

1. When a supervisor conducts an inspection as part of their role on the safety committee, they should intervene to address any unsafe behaviors they observe. However, disciplining employees in this context could be inappropriate, as it may undermine the safety committee’s goal of fostering a cooperative and open safety culture.
2. On the other hand, if the supervisor is conducting the inspection in their role as a line supervisor, they should, or course intervene when they observe unsafe behaviors and possibly administer discipline. In this case, disciplining employees may be appropriate if the infraction meets the established criteria for disciplinary action.

How to Handle Role Conflict

The following recommendations may help to handle a situation when performing conflicting roles:

1. Recognize the Conflict: Identify the specific roles you are being asked to perform and understand where the conflict lies.
2. Clarify Expectations: Communicate with those involved (e.g., supervisors, team members) to clarify the expectations and responsibilities of each role.
3. Prioritize Ethics and Safety: Focus on ethical principles and safety considerations when deciding how to act. If one role could compromise ethics or safety, prioritize the actions that uphold these values.
4. Seek Guidance: If unsure, seek guidance from a supervisor or someone in authority to help resolve the conflict in a fair and transparent manner.
5. Avoid Bias: Ensure you remain impartial and do not let personal interests interfere with making the best decision for the situation.

By addressing the conflict in this way, you minimize risks and promote integrity in your actions.

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