FACTS

1. Taking Shortcuts: Every day we make decisions we hope will make the job faster and more efficient. Short cuts that reduce your safety on the job are not short cuts, but an increased chance for injuries.
2. Being Over Confident: Overconfidence is too much of a good thing. It’ll never happen to me!!!
3. Starting a Task with Incomplete Instructions: To do the job safely and right the first time you need complete information. Don’t be shy about asking for explanations about work procedures and safety precautions.
4. Poor Housekeeping: Poor housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well-maintained area sets a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride and safety.
5. Mental Distractions from Work: Dropping ‘mental” guard pulls focus away from safe procedures.
6. Failure to Pre-Plan the Work: JHA’s are an effective way to figure out the smartest ways to work safely and effectively. Being hasty in starting a task, or not thinking through the process can put you in harm’s way.

STATS

• Over 5,190 fatal accidents occurred in the United States, according to the B.L.S. One of the main causes of these avoidable accidents is desire to save time by taking shortcuts on the job.
• B.L.S. estimated that over 36% of workplace injuries were due to improper lifting techniques. Taking a shortcut by not wearing a back brace or lifting with your back instead of your knees, can save a little time. The risk of an injury is also increased.
• Shortcut #1: Working at Heights without Safeguards in Place
• Falls to a lower level are a leading cause of death in the workplace. In fact, falls to lower levels are reported to be responsible for well over 30% of all construction industry fatalities year after year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Shortcut #2: Not Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
• Not Wearing Safety Glasses – According to the CDC, 2,000 U.S. workers sustain a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. One-third injuries are treated in an emergency room.
• Not Wearing Gloves – 38 % of the company’s record-able hand injuries were attributed to glove deficiencies. Taking hand safety shortcuts “saved” workers who sustained hand injuries about 25 seconds per incident. The consequences included numerous sutures to close wounds, an infected hand and more than 50 lost workdays.