How Peer Influence Affects Compliance with Permit-to-Work Systems

When we think of hazards in the workplace, we often imagine heavy machinery, slippery floors, or exposed wires. But one hazard is far less obvious yet just as dangerous — peer influence. In environments where permit-to-work systems are critical for safety, peer pressure can make or break compliance. Employees may feel pushed to cut corners, skip steps, or ignore procedures just to fit in or meet unrealistic expectations from coworkers. That’s where the real danger begins.

Before diving deeper, let’s take a moment to consider the NEBOSH Course Fee. Many professionals hesitate to enroll in a safety course due to the cost. But when we understand how deeply safety culture — including peer influence — affects lives, the investment seems small. Safety education isn't just a course; it's a life-saving decision.

What Is a Permit-to-Work System?

A permit-to-work system is a formal process used in workplaces — especially in high-risk industries — to control hazardous work. It ensures that specific jobs are done safely and that all involved parties understand the risks and necessary precautions.

The permit includes:

• A description of the task
  
  

• Identified hazards and risks
  
  

• Safety precautions to be taken
  
  

• Authorization and signatures
  
  

This system plays a crucial role in preventing accidents. But what happens when this process is sidestepped, not because someone wants to take a risk, but because everyone else is doing it?

The Silent Hazard: Peer Influence

Peer influence is a psychological and social factor that affects how individuals behave in group settings. In a workplace, especially one with a tight-knit crew or fast-paced demands, employees may copy what others do — even if it's unsafe.

Let’s consider an example:

Anecdote: Ali, a young maintenance worker at an oil refinery, noticed that his senior colleagues often skipped filling out the permit-to-work forms before starting hot work. “It’s just welding, we do this every day,” they would say. Despite his safety training, Ali started doing the same — until an accident occurred, and he narrowly escaped serious burns.

In Ali’s case, the workplace culture — driven by peer behavior — overrode the formal safety processes. The permit was there, but not being used.

Why Do People Follow the Crowd?

1. Fear of Exclusion

Nobody wants to be the odd one out. New or junior workers may fear that insisting on following every rule will make them look inexperienced or overly cautious.

2. Time Pressure

In fast-paced industries, time is money. When peers rush or skip steps to meet deadlines, others feel pressure to do the same.

3. Trust in Experience

When a senior team member downplays a hazard, others often believe them — even when safety procedures say otherwise. This blind trust can lead to disaster.

4. Rewarding Risky Behavior

Sometimes, workers who cut corners are praised for finishing tasks faster. This sends a message that speed is valued over safety, and others follow suit.

The Role of Safety Culture

Creating a strong safety culture is the first step toward breaking the cycle of negative peer influence. In a good safety culture:

• Rules are respected, not ridiculed
  
  

• Permits are seen as essential, not optional
  
  

• Safety concerns are discussed openly
  
  

• All workers feel responsible for each other’s safety
  
  

This culture doesn't just happen — it must be built. And that’s where safety training becomes invaluable.

How to Tackle Peer Influence: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify the Signs

Before you can change behavior, you need to recognize it. Look for:

• Workers ignoring permit protocols
  
  

• New employees quickly adopting unsafe practices
  
  

• Senior workers bypassing steps without consequence
  
  

Step 2: Re-Train and Re-Educate

Provide refresher sessions focusing on the importance of permit-to-work systems. Emphasize why the rules exist — not just how to follow them. Real-world case studies and incident reports can drive the point home.

A great starting point is enrolling in formal safety training like the NEBOSH International General Certificate. While the NEBOSH Course Fee might seem like a hurdle, the real cost is not being properly trained.

Step 3: Encourage Speaking Up

Develop an environment where employees feel confident to speak up when they see unsafe behavior — no matter who is doing it.

Anecdote: Sarah, a shift supervisor, noticed a contractor about to begin confined space entry without a valid permit. Even though the contractor was senior and well-respected, she stopped the job and requested proper documentation. Her courage likely prevented a tragic incident.

Step 4: Set the Right Example

Leaders and experienced workers must follow safety rules to the letter. Their behavior sets the standard. If they ignore the system, everyone else will too.

Step 5: Use Positive Reinforcement

Recognize and reward safe behavior. Highlight employees who follow the permit process correctly. Celebrate when teams complete projects safely, not just quickly.

How Peer Influence Shows Up in Real Workplaces

Let’s take a quick look at some workplace scenarios:

1. Construction Sites

Workers may skip permit-to-work systems for jobs like electrical wiring or excavation because “they’ve done it a hundred times.” Newer workers copy this behavior, not knowing the risks involved.

2. Oil & Gas

Hot work and confined space entry require strict permits. But experienced crews sometimes consider these steps unnecessary, and junior staff fall into line to avoid conflict.

3. Manufacturing

Lock-out/tag-out procedures are part of many permit-to-work systems. If peers commonly override these systems for the sake of speed, the practice becomes the norm.

In all these industries, peer influence can be a silent hazard — undermining well-designed safety procedures.

Preventing the Spread of Unsafe Norms

Talk Safety Every Day

Make safety a part of everyday conversations. Morning briefings, toolbox talks, and even casual discussions should reinforce the message.

Make Training Accessible

Online platforms now make it easy to train your team. A good example is the NEBOSH online course in Pakistan, which offers flexibility while covering crucial safety concepts.

Involve Everyone

Don’t leave safety to just supervisors or managers. Involve the whole team in hazard identification, permit planning, and risk assessments.

Read more about the NEBOSH Course Fee and how the NEBOSH online course in Pakistan can help your team build a safety-first culture.

Final Thoughts: Safety Is a Team Sport

In the end, safety isn’t a solo game — it’s a team effort. One person’s behavior influences another’s. Permit-to-work systems protect everyone, but only if everyone respects the process.

Let’s change the narrative. Let’s make safety a group norm, not an exception. It starts with you — and the courage to say, “No permit? No work.”