Shifting into winter driving in BC’s North often means preparing your vehicle for the harsher conditions, starting with changing over to winter tires. This year, I had the opportunity to get a refresher lesson on changing my own tire with the tools and spare hidden in my vehicle. Thank you, Chad Hamblin! This lesson reminded me of two important messages:
1) Empowering Yourself and Others
Do you have someone in your life who could benefit from a refresher on how to change a tire? While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, practical knowledge and skills can save your life. Think about it—could you confidently change a tire if you had to? And if not, do you know someone who should? Empowering yourself and those around you with this essential skill is an act of care, one that could make all the difference in an emergency.
I frequently drive on a highway known as the Highway of Tears, where many women—primarily Indigenous women—have tragically gone missing or been abducted. On this route, there are long stretches with no cell service. For my own peace of mind and safety, two key elements of my driving alone plan include carrying a GPS messenger device (like the InReach) and having the skill to change my own tire. These aren’t just precautions; they are life-saving tools.
2) Technical Writing: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Reality
The second, more subtle message relates to technical writing—procedures and manuals that are often lacking. These documents are typically written by those who aren’t doing the work, making them detailed in theory but impractical in real-world situations. During my tire-changing lesson, I had to consult my vehicle’s manual, but it wasn’t as helpful as I’d hoped. Critical tips, tricks, and safety precautions were either missing or buried in a different section. This is the kind of gap that can turn a bad situation into a worse one, especially when you’re already under stress.
This experience made me reflect on how technical documents are often created in isolation, with safety procedures kept separate from the operational “how-to” steps. To be truly effective, these documents need to be merged, with safety elements integrated into the instructions so that they can be easily understood and applied in the moment. When I work with organizations, I make it a point to capture the practical knowledge—the “gold”—from those actually doing the work, ensuring the documents reflect reality, not just theory.
The Call to Action
When was the last time you checked your emergency driving plan or practised changing a tire? Do your workplace procedures reflect real-life scenarios, or are they disconnected from what actually happens in the field? Having thorough, real-world information at your fingertips can be the difference between safety and disaster.
If you’re responsible for writing or managing safety or technical procedures, ensuring they align with real-world conditions is critical. I help organizations develop documents that are not just complete in theory, but practical and life-saving in real situations. Let’s work together to make your procedures as effective as possible. Contact me today for a free 20-minute consultation to discuss how we can improve your safety documentation.
By blending personal experience with professional expertise, this approach creates procedures that are useful, practical, and truly designed to protect what you value.
Located in Northern BC,
Jennie is a leading occupational health and safety consultant who is dedicated to finding effective, practical solutions that reduce risk and enable workplaces to thrive. She has previously worked as an OHS paralegal with Gowlings LLP; advising on health and safety in manufacturing (Alcan Inc. and Apotex Inc.) as well as in healthcare (Northern Health Authority). Jennie is often called in to help workplaces with assessments, compliance with the law, and other important requirements. To book your free 20-minute discovery call email Jennie at jennie@hogansafety.ca
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