25 May Short Cuts

Avoiding Short Cuts

Short cuts may seem like an easy way to save time or effort, but short cuts can eliminate important safety steps and expose employees and others to unnecessary hazards. The safest approach is to follow established procedures and take the time necessary to perform each task correctly.

Guide for Discussion

Why Short Cuts Are Dangerous

Many work procedures have been developed based on experience, regulations, manufacturer instructions, and lessons learned from previous incidents. Skipping or modifying a step can remove safeguards built into the procedure.

Short cuts may include:

• Skipping required inspections.
• Using the wrong tool because it is more convenient.
• Removing or bypassing guards or safety devices.
• Failing to wear required PPE.
• Climbing or accessing work areas improperly.
• Working without required fall protection.
• Entering an excavation without required protective measures.
• Performing servicing or repairs without proper lockout/tagout.
• Lifting an excessive load rather than getting assistance.
• Failing to barricade or secure a hazardous area.
• Starting work without completing the required pre-task planning.

Saving a few minutes is never worth creating an uncontrolled hazard.

High-Risk Work

Short cuts are particularly dangerous when performing work involving:

• Heights and fall hazards.
• Excavations and trenches.
• Confined spaces.
• Electrical hazards.
• Heavy equipment.
• Cranes, rigging, and suspended loads.
• Hazardous energy.
• Hot work.
• Traffic and mobile equipment.
• Hazardous chemicals.

The greater the potential consequence, the more important it is to follow every required safety precaution.

Take the Time to Work Safely

Employees are expected to take the time necessary to perform work safely.

Before starting a task:

• Understand the work and its hazards.
• Follow established procedures and the JSA/JHA when applicable.
• Inspect tools and equipment.
• Install required guards, barricades, or protective systems.
• Wear required PPE.
• Obtain required permits or authorizations.
• Ask questions when instructions are unclear.
• Stop work if conditions change or the task cannot be performed safely.

Production schedules should never justify bypassing required safety precautions.

Watch Out for Each Other

If you observe someone taking an unsafe short cut:

• Warn the employee about the hazard.
• Encourage the use of the proper procedure.
• Correct the condition when authorized and safe to do so.
• Notify a supervisor when the unsafe condition cannot be immediately corrected.
• Stop work when there is an immediate danger to employees or others.

Speaking up can prevent an injury.

Discussion Questions

• What short cuts have you seen employees take on a jobsite?
• What safety protection was eliminated by the short cut?
• Are there tasks where employees may feel pressured to work faster?
• What should you do if the established procedure appears too difficult or time-consuming?
• Can we perform the task more efficiently without eliminating a safety precaution?

Remember

There is a difference between finding a more efficient way to perform a job and taking an unsafe short cut. Improvements should maintain or increase safety—not eliminate necessary precautions. Take the time to do the job correctly the first time.