Weekly Safety Meeting – Shortcuts are a Choice

Everyone takes a shortcut at one time or another. You could cross the street between intersections instead of using the crosswalk. Or, it could be that you jump a fence instead of using the gate. But in many cases, a shortcut can involve danger.

The decision to take a shortcut can be influenced by many different factors. At the end of the day, taking a shortcut is a choice.

It is important to realize this fact and take steps to avoid taking shortcuts especially when it comes to safety on the job.

Common Safety Shortcuts:

Taking shortcuts when it comes to safety can manifest in many ways. Some common types of safety shortcuts that occur in many workplaces are:

• Not implementing all necessary safeguards—almost every work task has several safeguards that are to be implemented prior to work beginning. Each safeguard that is implemented is one more way to protect yourself and others from injury;
• Not wearing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—PPE is the last line of defense for workers. You never know when you may need it; and
• Rushing during tasks or not taking the necessary time to do certain tasks—Many things can be missed when rushing during a work task. This can lead to unfortunate incidents.Ways to Avoid Taking Shortcuts:

• Hold your work to a higher standard. Do not take the easy way out. Take the time and energy to perform tasks correctly. Make it a habit to follow safety policies and procedures.
• Help set the expectation that shortcuts are unacceptable when it comes to safety. If your co- workers see you taking shortcuts, they are more likely to do so themselves;
• Realize that shortcuts affect more than just you. They can result in negative impacts on production, property damage, as well as injuries.
• If facing a perceived time pressure, evaluate whether it is a self-imposed time pressure. Many times, individuals put pressure on themselves to perform a task faster when there is no real outside pressure to get a work task completed;
• Preplan work tasks well ahead of time so the necessary tools, training, personnel, safety equipment, time, etc., are available. Having all the necessary items for work tasks can help to avoid the urge to take shortcuts.