This can be particularly damaging when it comes to safety. Think about the numerous safety-related behaviors we perform everyday without any feedback. Usually the environment does not give us natural feedback in this regard. Careful observers could tell us how to make small adjustments to reduce the possibility of an injury. But just as you’re reluctant to give others personal advice about something like their handshake, people are apt to feel uncomfortable making specific suggestions about a co-worker’s risky behavior.
So take it upon yourself to open up the lines of communication. Ask others for specific feedback about your own safety performance. But don’t settle for generalities like, "You did fine." Shoot for specifics. Show you’re really serious about safe work habits. It’s likely you’ll learn something yourself, and you’ll teach others the value of feedback -one step in improving overall workplace safety.