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 you should follow while doing your job. When you don’t follow them correctly, unnecessary problems occur.

Studies show that 80-90 percent of serious injuries are caused by human error, which means employee training is especially important. Poor decision making should be remedied and safe practices should be rewarded. 

Why unsafe acts are performed

Being comfortable with your job is important, but you should never be so comfortable that you start to skip steps. 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

If you have a bad attitude, it is not good to bring that attitude into work, nor is it safe. If you are having an off day and let it control you, you won’t have the same amount of focus as you normally would. This can lead to unsafe acts. Not only do these put you at risk, but they put your coworkers at risk 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, though, it can lead to problems. Steps can be left out or 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 the safety of those around you. When on the clock, you should always follow the rules that your supervisor has given you. Training is scheduled with employees to inform them of safety regulations. Often, though, rules aren’t followed. This isn’t because employees aren’t aware of them, but because they’re complacent in their job.

Taking shortcuts on the job

When you take shortcuts while doing your job, it doesn’t help anyone. The recommended steps should be followed at all times. There are many reasons that employees choose to take shortcuts on the job, often due to laziness. This scenario 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 your field for many years, you may start to think you know it all. Even if you’re an expert, you still shouldn’t leave steps out. Always follow the correct steps and pay attention to any safety hazards that apply.

Forms of unsafe acts

There are many forms of unsafe acts, and they aren’t always caused by workers not following rules and regulations set in place by their workplace. Sometimes, they can be caused by failures in upper management. 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.

• Lack of proper qualifications: This prevents unsafe acts from occurring.

• Using broken equipment: Equipment that is broken needs to be labeled and set aside. That way, someone doesn’t try to use it. This can lead to bigger problems or even injuries.

• Make employees aware of safety hazards: 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 at a construction site that has big pieces of equipment, problems can occur if too many people are present. Each area should only have as many workers present as are required. 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 reduce the chance of injuries. Good housekeeping greatly reduces hazards.

• Not wearing PPE: Personal protective equipment is supplied for a reason. Everyone should always wear it in the necessary conditions. When employees fail to wear the required PPE, they put themselves at risk for injury. 

• Not wearing PPE correctly: If an employee does not know how to wear their PPE correctly, that equipment not only becomes useless, but potentially dangerous as well.

Ways to prevent unsafe acts

Regular meetings should take place to update employees on protocol. Specific unsafe conditions and acts can be posted around the jobsite as reminders. Any time there is a new employee joining the crew, they should be caught up on safety protocol.

Never assume that everyone knows the right thing to do in any given situation. Be informative and upfront. Give detailed information about all your rules and safety protocols. Workplaces should encourage their employees to always work safely and diligently.

Report unsafe acts

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

All employees should know what they should do when they see something being done wrong — whether it’s 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.