Our work load seems to be a circle in the AEC industry. In the winter, we often slow down. Once spring arrives our work load increases dramatically. How many times, in order to maintain a schedule, do people want to take short cuts or speed through their daily jobs? Most people are guilty of speeding through a job at some point. We forget before it is too late that "hurrying up can hurt". In just about every instance hurrying on the job does not increase productivity. Usually it is simply an easy way to get a job done, get a tough job out of the way or try to get off the job as soon as possible.
When we hurry on the job we increase our chances of an unsafe act happening. Let's look at some "hurry up" acts. Have you ever caught yourself doing any of these?
- Not wearing proper PPE because the job would only take a few minutes.
- Used the wrong ladder because the proper one was further away.
- Took a short cut between machinery or stockpiles of materials.
- Used a wrench instead of a hammer because your hammer was in your toolbox on the other side of the room.
- Climbed a ladder with tools stuck in your pocket or in your hand because you didn't have a tool belt.
- Cut the grounding prong off a three-way ground wire plug because you didn't have an adapter.
- Removed a guard to repair your machine but haven't put it back yet.
- Reached just a little bit further on the ladder so you didn't have to get down and move it.
- Didn't wear proper fall protection or completely brace the scaffold because the detail job was only going to take a moment.
- Didn't wear proper gloves because you forgot to bring them.
Do these sound familiar? Sometimes when you hurry, nothing bad happens. But safety should always be a top priority because other times a serious injury may occur. Is it really worth your eyesight, your limbs or even your life to save those few minutes? Hurrying up can hurt. Do these things right the first time - every time. That is the Chamberlin Way!