Rationalizing Unsafe Choices Toolbox Talk

Rationalizing Unsafe Choices Safety Talk

To keep everyone safe at work, you need to make safe choices. For many, following protocol and safety precautions can be difficult. Not because they’re stubborn or want to break the rules, but because they may feel they can get things done faster another way.

Safety rules and precautions are put into place for a reason, and they need to be followed to the best of your ability at all times. Making excuses and taking shortcuts doesn’t help anyone and sets a dangerous precedent for other workers on the jobsite.

Reasons we rationalize unsafe choices

When you begin a job, all the rules and regulations are laid out for you. There are likely signs and posters demonstrating the way you’re expected to perform your job, and showing what to avoid. On construction sites, there are many hazards and dangers that can occur, making it even more important to practice safety and follow protocol.

There are many reasons people chose to perform a task in a different way than has been advised. You may think that you can do it faster if you skip a step or two. One of the most common things that can happen is an employee forgetting to use protective gear while performing a task. Let's discuss some of the many reasons employees try to rationalize their unsafe choices.

Mood

Everyone experiences different moods, and it can sometimes affect the way they perform on the job. You may not be feeling super productive or on top of it one day, but that isn’t a reason to cut corners and use unsafe practices. It could create unsafe conditions for you or those around you.

Lack of supervision

When supervisors, managers, or the person in charge are not around, people may try to cut corners. This is a big mistake. Regardless of whether or not your supervisor is around, all safety rules and precautions should be followed.

Lack of rule enforcements

In a job that you have worked on for a long time, it becomes easy to relax enforcement of protocols and regulations. You may feel that you are comfortable on the job and know what you are doing. If your supervisor or manager is not enforcing rules, it does not mean that it is okay to break them.

Time pressure

Cutting corners due to a time crunch can only result in problems. It will lead to mistakes being made and things going wrong. All safety rules and regulations are put into place for a reason and should always be followed.

Energy levels

Getting adequate rest is difficult for many people due to their busy schedules. When you are tired or worn out at work, many will use this as an excuse to cut corners on the job, resulting in forgotten or skipped steps. Safety gear needs to be worn and all steps should always be done properly.

“Everyone else does it”

What is it that defines a hardworking and trustworthy employee? That can have many meanings, and on a construction site, it is important. When you are working in this type of setting, skipping steps can result in hazardous situations. A trustworthy employee, however, goes above and beyond to follow safety regulations and make good choices about their job.

There are many times that you may see other employees skipping steps or not wearing their safety gear on the job. That doesn’t mean it’s alright for you to do the same thing. Whether your supervisor or manager enforces the rules on the job or not, you have the choice to do what is right. Just because “everyone else does it,” doesn’t mean you have to make the same unsafe choices.

What can happen when unsafe choices are made?

When you are working on a construction site with lots of different things going on, there are many hazards present. These can range from people working above you to heavy machinery and more. That means there are several ways that people can get hurt if unsafe choices are made. Some of the many things that can happen are

• Someone could fall from a high surface

• Someone could get hit in the head from falling supplies

• Someone can get caught in a piece of machinery

• Someone could fall off of a piece of equipment

• Someone can get struck-by heavy equipment

Some examples of safety rules on a constructions site

There are many rules that should be followed on construction sites. The rules may vary based on what type of construction is being done. Some of the most basic types of rules that you will find are:

• PPE should be worn - There are many items that could be necessary to wear while on a construction site, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, safety harnesses, respirators, or steel toe boots. These are all items that can help keep you safe in the chance that there is an accident.

• Inspections should be done for equipment - Each time that you get onto a piece of heavy equipment, it should be inspected thoroughly. That way you know if there is a problem with it and if something needs to be fixed. This can help prevent unnecessary accidents.

• Maintain good housekeeping - Leaving tools and supplies lying around can lead to problems for other employees or yourself. There is typically a lot going on and when things are left out, they can be tripped over, driven over, or worse. Keeping items picked up and put away can help prevent those incidents.

• A spotter should be used - When you are trying any type of heavy equipment you should have a spotter on the ground. It helps to have someone who can see your blind spots. Climbing on ladders is also a good time to have a spotter. They can ensure the ladder is secure and no one moves it or trips over it.

By practicing safe habits on the job, you are protecting yourself and those around you. Working in hazardous situations makes it even more important to follow these rules.