If a task can’t be completed as briefed, stop work, complete a new POWRA and get your Foreman to authorise the new approach before continuing.
That’s the message behind VGC’s latest BeSafe campaign, Stop Work When Something Changes.
The campaign reminds workers to pause whenever a task changes instead of adapting it themselves. Whether equipment is unavailable, site conditions have changed, someone has suggested a “better/quicker” way, or the planned method no longer works, taking a moment to stop, re-evaluate, and agree the safest way forward helps protect everyone on site.
Why this campaign matters
The campaign was developed following four injuries to our staff on VGC-supported projects this year. In every case, the original plan had changed, and work continued without stopping to re-evaluate the task. Three of those incidents resulted in the person having to take time off to recover from their injury
The aim is not to criticise people for trying to solve problems whilst work continues. In each case, workers were trying to keep the job moving and help the wider team.
The campaign aims to encourage that same problem-solving mindset while reinforcing one additional step: pause first and agree on any changes before continuing.
Recognising when something has changed
A task has changed the moment it can no longer be carried out as briefed.
That could happen because:
- Plant or equipment unavailable
- Different tools required
- Weather conditions have changed
- Access has changed
- Ground conditions are different
- Different people are doing the task
- Someone experienced said “I know a better/quicker way”
When a plan changes, the risk changes too. Recognising those moments early allows teams to solve problems and reassess the task before introducing unnecessary risk.
Stop. Re-evaluate. Get authorisation.
The people carrying out the work often know the safest way forward. When a task can no longer be carried out as briefed, workers are asked to:
- Stop the task safely
- Complete a new POWRA
- Speak to their Foreman
- Suggest a safer solution if they have one
- Continue once the new approach has been authorised
A POWRA (Point of Work Risk Assessment) is a quick, on-the-spot check of the new risks. Completing a fresh one, alongside a conversation with a Foreman, confirms the safest way forward and makes sure everyone understands the revised plan before work continues.
Building a culture where people feel confident to speak up
One of the biggest barriers to stopping work is the belief that raising a concern will delay the job or inconvenience others.
That’s why VGC is strengthening stop-work authority across its sites, reinforcing the right of any worker to pause a task when something changes.
Workers should feel confident raising concerns, suggesting safer alternatives and asking for a new POWRA.
Clients and supervisors play an important role by supporting people who stop to re-look at a task before work continues.
Richard Wheeler, SHE Director
“All senior people, both within VGC and our clients, will support anyone who stops and says, ‘Let’s take another look at this.'”
A safer approach to every task
Construction and infrastructure projects rely on good planning, competent people and the confidence to stop when circumstances change.
Through the Stop Work When Something Changes campaign, VGC continues to promote practical safety leadership, empowering workers to pause, speak up and make safe decisions that protect everyone on site.
Learn more about VGC’s approach to health and safety
Discover how VGC supports clients and the workforce through practical health and safety initiatives, training and workforce engagement.
For more information, contact: besafe@vgcgroup.co.uk
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