Buddy System for Workplace Safety Faces Challenges Despite Its Benefits

The buddy system, a strategy where workers are paired to monitor each other, is a widely recommended safety practice in high-risk industries. It has proven beneficial, particularly in managing workload and preventing injuries caused by heat and fatigue. According to a report from Pinnacol Assurance, workers are 52% more susceptible to injuries on hot days, which makes the buddy system useful in such scenarios. Safety experts highlight its role in early intervention, spotting signs of illness or distraction before accidents happen.

However, not all experts agree that this system is suitable in every situation. The cost of assigning two workers to tasks often done by one, along with the risk of new employees adopting bad safety habits from their partners, are significant concerns. Additionally, some argue that buddy systems can bypass the involvement of management, leading to inconsistent safety coaching. For a robust safety program, peer-to-peer coaching should be supplemented by clear management oversight and structured protocols.