TOOLBOX TALKS

TALK #11

Too Many Excuses – Too Many Accidents

Consider this statistic: 80 out of every 100 accidents are someone's fault, usually the person involved in the incident. Unsafe acts cause four times as many accidents and injuries as unsafe conditions.

Accidents occur for many reasons. Unfortunately, too many employees and supervisors tend to look for "things,” or excuses to blame the accident on, instead of looking for the root cause of the accident – which usually points directly at the unsafe acts of people.

Consider the possible accident-causing excuses below. Have you been guilty of any of these attitudes or behaviors?

1. Taking Shortcuts-
Every day we take actions to hopefully make our work faster and more efficient. However, make sure these time savers don’t risk your own safety, or that of others. Shortcuts that reduce your safety on the job are not shortcuts, but a recipe for injury.

2. Being Overconfident Confidence is a good thing-
Overconfidence is too much of a good thing. Being overconfident can lead to the "It'll never happen to me" attitude, which can quickly put you in harms way.

3. Starting a Task with Incomplete Instructions-
To do the job safely and right the first time you need complete information. Ask questions if you need to. You’ll be more likely to do the job right, on time and without injury. It isn't dumb to ask questions; it's dumb not to.

4. Poor Housekeeping-
A quick look at your site’s housekeeping usually provides a good indicator of quality, production and safety. Poor housekeeping not only creates all types of hazards, but sends a bad message about your work and your company. Practice good housekeeping. Your job will be safer and more productive as well.

5. Ignoring Safety Procedures-
Thankfully, the individuals that ignore or purposely break safety rules are few and far between. But not only are you breaking company rules, and may be disciplined, but it’s just a matter of time before that “accident” occurs. If you’re one of these individuals – now is a good time to change your ways.

6. Mental Distractions from Work-
Having a bad day at home and worrying about it at work is a hazardous combination. Dropping your mental guard can pull your focus away from safe work procedures. Don't become a statistic because you took your eyes off the machine "just for a minute."

7. Failure to Pre-Plan the Work
You’ve heard the saying “Plan Your Work and then Work Your Plan.” The saying works. Well planned work doesn’t usually result in accidents. Always plan your work – and include safety in that plan.