“Why do you do it that way?”
It's a question most workplaces have heard from a new employee. And the answer? “Because that's how we've always done it.”
Every workplace develops familiar routines. Experienced employees know which processes work, which equipment needs attention and how to get things done efficiently.
But familiarity can sometimes create blind spots. A cable across a walkway. A machine guard that's awkward to use. A procedure that no longer reflects how a task is actually performed.
Over time, people may simply learn to work around these things. Someone new might notice them immediately.
New employees often ask questions that experienced colleagues have stopped asking. Sometimes there's a perfectly reasonable explanation. Other times, those questions reveal practices worth reviewing.
Experience remains essential. New employees also need proper induction, supervision and training to understand workplace hazards and safe procedures.
Combining practical experience with a willingness to question established routines can strengthen a safety culture. Incon Health supports organisations through occupational safety assessments, training and workplace safety management.
So, the next time someone asks why things are done a certain way, consider the question before giving the usual answer. They might have noticed something everyone else has missed.