WEEKLY TOOL BOX SAFETY MEETINGS
SHORTCUTS
Accident statistics clearly indicate that many of us disregard the fact that safety violations, particularly those caused by shortcuts, can have serious consequences. More likely than not, each one of us has taken a shortcut at one time or another. Hopefully no one was injured. The problem is that those shortcuts place us, and others, at risk of injury, if we had taken a little more time or a few extra steps, that risk could have been eliminated.
Let’s think about a few of the shortcuts that some workers take every day. One of the most common is the removal or “wedging back” of safety guards. We don’t take the time to bend over or remove protruding nails. We frequently see safety glasses or goggles, respiratory protection, and other personal protective equipment not being used. Many of us use chemicals without taking the time to read the material safety data sheets provided, and as a result we do not use required protection, nor do we know what to do if a spill occurs. Someone builds a makeshift platform to reach an upper level when the correct and safe way to provide access would be to use a ladder or scaffold. Then there’s the worker who uses a ladder but climbs it with one hand full of tools. Injuries occur because someone fails to take the time to lockout an energy source. It takes only a second or two to buckle up, but many of us neglect to use the seat belts in construction equipment, or in our personal vehicles.
This is just a small list of shortcuts; you can undoubtedly think of many more. Almost invariably, shortcuts are hazardous, either to yourself or to others. The purpose of safety devices and rules is to protect you, even if they inconvenience you. It’s your responsibility to follow safety procedures and use protective equipment whenever necessary even if it takes e few extra minutes.
Most shortcuts are taken to save time, but if an injury occurs, the minimal time saved could result in days, weeks, or ever months of recovery time. Think about the risks that you take any time you use a shortcut. Gambling a few minutes or a little energy against the possibility of a lifetime of pain is a poor bet. The only sure thing is that shortcuts eventually lead to injuries and accidents. Be smart. The safe way is the best way.
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Topics Pertaining To Your Project ________________________________________________________________
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Employee Safety Recommendations ___________________________________________________________
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Meeting Attended By: Please sign your name and date.
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These instructions do not supersede local, state, or federal regulations.
Supervisor’s Signature ______________________________________________________________________
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