Unsafe Acts Toolbox Talk

Unsafe Acts Safety Talk

Workplace accidents are primarily the result of unsafe acts being performed. There are set guidelines and rules that are to be followed while doing your job. When they are not followed correctly, that is when unnecessary problems occur.

PA Training for Health & Safety keeps track of these types of instances. From their records, 80 out of 100 people are at fault for the injury that they sustain. This is why such an emphasis is on recognizing the good behaviors of employees when they occur. While also confronting the unsafe acts.

Why Unsafe Acts Are Performed

Being comfortable with your job is important, but not so much that you start to leave steps out. There are many reasons that someone may take an unsafe approach to their task while on the job. Some of the most common reasons are below.

You Have A Bad Attitude

When you have a bad attitude, it is not good to portray that attitude at work, nor is it safe. If you are having an off day and let it control you, you are not going to have the same amount of focus as you should. This can lead to unsafe acts being done. Not only does that put you at risk but your coworkers as well.

Overconfident in What You Are Doing

Over time, you become comfortable with your job. If you have been doing your job for several years, it becomes second nature to you. When you become overconfident in your tasks it can lead to some problems. Steps can be left out or even not followed correctly, which can lead to someone getting hurt.

Forgo Safety Rules While Working

Safety rules in your workplace are made for your safety and those around you. When on the clock you should always follow the rules that your superior has given to you. Training is scheduled with employees to present all safety regulations that there are. Many times rules aren’t followed, not because you didn't know them, but just being complacent in your job.

Taking Shortcuts on the Job

When you take shortcuts while doing your job, it’s not going to help anyone. The steps that are recommended should be followed correctly at all times. There are many reasons that employees choose to take shortcuts on the job, many times due to laziness. This is a scenario that can lead to unsafe situations and even injuries.

Becoming Careless While Working

It is so easy to become careless over time. When you have worked in the field that you are in for many years, you think you know it all. You might, but that doesn’t mean that you can begin to leave steps out. Still follow the correct steps and pay attention to all safety hazards that apply.

Forms Of Unsafe Acts

There are many forms of unsafe acts. It is not only the result of you not following rules and regulations set in place by your workplace. It can be the result of the workplace not doing their job as well. Some examples of different ways unsafe acts can be performed at your workplace are:

• Lack of Training - All employees should be properly trained for the area in which they are working in.

• Proper qualifications will prevent unsafe acts from occurring.

• Using Broken Equipment - Equipment that is broken needs to be label and set aside. That way someone else doesn’t come by and try to use it. This can lead to a bigger problem or even an injury.

• Make Employees Aware Of A Safety Hazard - If you notice that something is out of place or potentially dangerous, you should speak up. Never sit back and keep quiet. The issue at hand may not have been realized by anyone else. You could prevent a bad situation from occurring.

• Too Many Workers In One Location - When working in a big warehouse or a construction site that has big pieces of equipment, too many people are bad. There should only be the needed amount of workers in one area at a time. This will cut down on the potential hazards that can happen.

• Not Keeping Work Areas Tidy - All tools and equipment should be cleaned up and put away after use. When things are clean and out of the way, you are going to lessen the chances of injuries. Good housekeeping greatly reduces hazards.

• Not Wearing PPE - Personal protective equipment is supplied for a reason. Everyone should always wear it in necessary conditions. When employees fail to wear the required PPE, they are putting themselves at risk for injury. Ignoring the fact that you should wear it is an unsafe act that can be avoided.

• Not Wearing PPE Correctly - If an employee does not know how to wear their PPE correctly, they can do more harm than good to themselves.

Ways To Prevent Unsafe Acts

Regular meetings should happen to keep all employees up to date with the protocol. Specific unsafe conditions and acts can be posted at all times as reminders. Anytime there is a new employee joining the crew, they should be caught up to date with safety protocol.

Never assume that everyone is aware of what the right things to do are. Be informative and upfront. Give detailed information about all your rules and safety protocols. Workplaces should be encouraging their employees to always work safely and diligently.

Report Unsafe Acts

When you are working and observe an unsafe task occurring, you should make it known. This can help to avoid property damage, broken equipment, injuries, or death. Most of the incidents that happen in workplaces are due to unsafe acts going unreported.

All employees should know what they are to do when they see something being done wrong. Whether it is to tell a supervisor or someone else. That way these incidents can be resolved and taken care of before someone gets hurt. When all the protocols are followed, you are less likely to have unsafe acts that cause problems in the workplace.