The hidden points that prevent safety managers from truly controlling the testing process—and what can be done differently
And what did I learn as a safety supervisor who found himself dealing with unnecessary chaos – until I discovered another way.
By: Ran Segev | Veteran safety supervisor, accompanying dozens of factories and organizations
This will probably sound familiar:
If this sounds familiar to you, we're probably in the same profession.
Because I, too, for years, worked in a way I called "completely reasonable" – until I realized how many hidden glitches I was silently absorbing. It doesn't seem like a problem – but it drains hours, causes delays, creates frustration, and creates a constant sense of lack of control.
And that's what I learned along the way.
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The 5 silent barriers that you probably live with too — without noticing how much they hurt you at work:
1. The invisible habits – and my most precious time wasters
I asked myself: How can I feel like I did everything right – and still feel like I’m working too hard?
I started tracking the time spent just on coordination, searching for reports, running after inspectors, and checking with regulators. The result was clear:
I am a safety supervisor – but in practice I function much more as an operations coordinator and logistical and bureaucratic coordinator.
And this led me to a question I hadn't dared to ask before :
Maybe I'm getting used to something bad?
2. Excellent tester ≠ excellent process
I worked with excellent people. Serious people. But even with them – I discovered that the whole system doesn't really give me control.
Because a good tester does not equal immediate availability.
A good tester does not guarantee reports that can be understood and implemented.
A good tester doesn't always make sure I feel in control.
And that was an important lesson:
Sometimes, the quality of service does not depend on the person – but on the process.
3. Reports? Not really tools
I was once asked – "Do you really read all the reports?"
I replied: "I'm trying."
But the truth is that when the report is cluttered, unclear, and inaccessible – I simply can't act on it.
And when I don't act on it, the test itself is almost worthless.
Tests that are not translated into action = unfulfilled responsibilities.
4. The transparency that is missing – and the burden that remains
One of the most frustrating things was this:
Not knowing where things stand.
Emails were lost. Reports were waiting for approval. Countless calls were not returned and cat and mouse chases.
And in the meantime, I have to give answers to the management. To provide reassurance.
But how can you provide confidence when you yourself don't know where things stand?
5. I got used to it – but I didn’t know what I was giving up
The most shocking thing was when I started hearing from other people – about how it was going for them.
✅ Immediate availability.
✅ Online access to every document.
✅ Full transparency.
✅ Simple reports.
✅ Telephone explanations.
And suddenly, this sentence echoed in my head:
"I got used to what was there – and I didn't think there was any other way."
So what did I do?
Instead of looking for another tester, I looked for a different approach.
I was looking for a service that was built for the benefit of the manager in the field – not just for the sake of regulatory approval.
I was looking for a process that would free up my time, reduce my workload, and give me back control.
And I found it.
Before we continue, stop for a moment and check yourself – 9 questions that must worry you if you answered “no”
✅ Do you know exactly when each piece of equipment was last inspected?
✅ Do you have an online digital system where all information is available to you at any moment?
✅ Do you trust the reports – even without asking questions?
✅ Do you know in advance when the next test is?
✅ Will you receive a phone call from the examiner explaining the report?
✅ Do you feel that your tester is a partner in the process and not just a service provider?
✅ Can you convey all the information to your "supervisor" – without a mess?
✅ Do you feel that the tester serves you – or vice versa?
✅ Do you feel confident – that you are worried that you have forgotten something critical all the time?
If you answered "no" to more than 2 - you may be doing great, but living with a false sense of control.
And that's okay – I was there too.But when my eyes opened, I didn't want to go back.
And what happens when you work with a neighboring organization that puts the safety officer at the center?
When I started working with Tiva Engineers – suddenly things just worked.
There was someone to talk to.
There was someone to send a question to.
It was clear when the report would arrive, what it would look like, what it meant – and what needed to be done.
And eventually they saw it upstairs too and the factory manager came to me and said –
"I finally feel like I have real control over this process. Thank you."
You can check too.
Not to "pass doubt" – but to check if you haven't gotten used to compromising.
Compare.
How long did it take to get a check?
What does the report look like?
What information was available online?
So what do I recommend you do now in practice?
Just watch how they do it themselves.
What else awaits you there? A free checklist to check the current inspector who might drop you a token