Taking Shortcuts
General Safety | 10-15 min
Summary
Shortcuts are a leading contributor to workplace injuries, yet they remain common because they usually 'work' without immediate consequences. A shortcut is any deviation from established procedures, proper tool use, or safe practices in order to save time, effort, or inconvenience. The problem is that each successful shortcut reinforces the behavior, making future shortcuts more likely - until the day one fails with serious consequences.
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Start your 7-day free trialKey Points to Cover
- Shortcuts usually work, reinforcing dangerous behavior
- Each successful shortcut makes future shortcuts more likely
- Shortcuts come in many forms - procedure, PPE, equipment use
- Pause and assess risk when tempted to take shortcuts
- Build habits that make safe practices automatic
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should this safety talk take?
Plan for about 10-15 min, with extra time for questions and site-specific examples.
Can I tailor the discussion to my workplace?
Yes. Use the key points as a starting place and connect them to the tasks, equipment, and procedures your team uses.