Search Results: why do you approach a girl

So there's this girl at work I like, but I don't see her very often due to our shifts differing quite a lot. I've had one or two brief conversations with her in real life, which went well I think, but none over text. I have her phone number because we're both in the company groupchat of our local establishment, and I honestly don't want to wait again untill I see her next time, and even then, I might chicken out. It's just so much easier over text, and I know it's a valid approach, so why not do it?

My problem is, would it seem too random/forced if I shoot her message out of nowhere, with no prior text conversation? Should I just immediately ask her out, or start with small talk first? If I start with small talk, what the hell would I even begin with? I have no idea. This is too difficult.

Also, I'm kinda afraid that if I do get rejected, the whole mood at work will be awkward once I share a shift with her again. Is this reason enough to not even go through with it?