Imagine if your ability to simply “see” could keep you safer at work. According to a study by The Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council, workers trained in “visual literacy” are doing just that—spotting workplace hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed.
But what exactly is visual literacy? It’s the ability to recognize and understand ideas conveyed through visible actions or images. In simple terms, it’s learning to really “see” what’s around you.
The Campbell Institute was curious: Could this concept of “learning to see” actually improve hazard detection in the workplace? And, more importantly, could it keep people safer on the job?
Training That Makes You Look Twice
In a pilot program, trainees learned how visual biases—those little tricks our brains play on us—can stop us from noticing crucial details. The training emphasized a structured way of looking at work areas: Start by taking in the big picture and then zoom in on the details. Think of it as starting from the perimeter of a scene and moving inward.
Participants were taught to pay attention to elements of visual literacy, like line, shape, color, texture, and space.
Real Results in Real Workplaces
So, how did this play out in real life? At a Cummins manufacturing plant, 225 employees put their visual literacy training to work. They identified 132 issues and corrected 25 hazards.
Here’s a cool example: Employees noticed, by paying attention to line, shape, and texture, that a set of steps wasn’t up to code—the rise and run weren’t consistent, the treads were worn down, and a railing was missing on one side. Thanks to their keen eyes, the steps were replaced with safer ones, including proper railings.
Beyond Just Spotting Hazards
After receiving visual literacy training, Cummins employees didn’t just stop at identifying hazards—they started reporting more near-misses and proactive safety concerns. Their perception of risks on the job heightened, making them more safety-conscious overall.
As The Campbell Institute continues its research, they’re planning to test whether visual literacy training leads to better quality Job Safety Analyses. The early feedback? Pretty positive. Based on 55 evaluations, 95% of participants would recommend the visual literacy workshop to a colleague, and 100% found it relevant to their field in environmental, health, and safety.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re curious about this approach, check out the full report, A Second Look: Update on Visual Literacy, available on the NSC’s website.
Remember: Sometimes, it’s not about what you see, but how you see it that makes all the difference in staying safe at work.
