Tool Box Talk: Where Routine Becomes Non Routine

In many workplaces, it is fairly easy to identify the safety and health hazards associated with the daily, routine tasks completed as part of a worker’s “typical” day. Hazard identification and analysis is a critical step in a successful safety and health program.

Many OSHA standards REQUIRE proactive identification of the hazards in the workplace (i.e., Confined Spaces, Personal Protective Equipment, Respiratory Protection, etc.).

When the workday is going smoothly, and the work processes and tasks are being completed successfully, the hazards associated with them are somewhat predictable. However, it is just as important to ask, “What if…?”

• What if the process breaks down?

• What if the job suddenly changes?

• Have all the possible hazards been identified?

It is critical that you think pro-actively and find the hazards BEFORE they become an accident. For example, an industrial process that includes various metal forming and cutting machines works well when all machines and systems are operating properly. The hazards associated with the machines, including machine guarding, are fairly predictable. But, what hazards MAY occur if the machine gets jammed, parts fail, or machine modifications are needed?

Predicting the outcome of all possible scenarios is impossible. However, taking the time to ask “What If…?” questions may uncover hazards that would not be identified during the routine tasks.

When Routine Becomes: Non-routine
Driving a particular route everyday: Routine
Driving and encounter an unusual situation on your regular route: Non-routine
Driving everyday and you are required to change your route on an occasion: Non-routine
Driving your regular route with normal conditions on a day you are not feeling well: Non-routine
A worker whose regular work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is doing his regular job under normal conditions: Routine
A worker whose regular work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is required to do his regular job on the night shift: Non-routine
A worker whose regular work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is doing his regular job in a new work area: Non-Routine

There are numerous examples when minute changes in work condition, frequency or other situation will easily change a task from routine to non-routine and consequently introduce hidden and other hazards that we may be oblivious to. Of course the extent to which we recognize this will depend on our vigilance and our general attitude and proactive nature. Just remember there is always an element of risk if we fail to recognize the change (routine to non-routine) in the nature of our jobs and take appropriate action.

And a bonus quote from Phil McGraw:

“Awareness without action is worthless.”

Thanks for the share, TO!