Intervening when a colleague is about to make a mistake, speaking up with a better solution to resolve the problem, or preventing problems before they occur describes which concept?

• A. Step Up and Step In
• B. Step Up
• C. Step In
• D. Outboard brain

Answer: (A)

Step Up and Step In means taking proactive responsibility to keep others safe by both voicing concerns and actively intervening to prevent or resolve unsafe situations. Intervening when a colleague is about to make a mistake is stepping in, while speaking up with a better solution is stepping up. Taken together, these actions cover not only noticing and addressing potential errors but also preventing problems before they occur. This dual approach is essential for a strong safety culture because it ensures issues are raised and fixes are implemented rather than waiting for harm to happen.

For example, if someone is about to administer an incorrect dose, you would speak up with the correct information and rationale, and you might intervene to pause or adjust the process to ensure the right dose is given. The other options describe either speaking up alone or intervening alone, which don’t fully capture the combined behavior described. The term about relying on external memory aids (outboard brain) isn’t relevant to this scenario.