When we take a time out to consider safety protocols on any given project, risk reduction starts with the job safety analysis (JSA).
Let’s consider this analogy: It’s fourth down and two with less than a minute to go in a closely fought championship game. Twenty seconds in the huddle just isn’t going to be enough time to analyze the options, consider the defense and play “what if,” so the quarterback wisely makes the familiar “T” gesture and the official signals a time out.
As fans, we place a significant amount of trust in the quarterback’s judgment. If they’re willing to take a time out to ensure they’re ready to proceed and do the right thing, shouldn’t we?
That’s why safety-focused contractors require their own “time outs” on worksites. Before the actual work begins, everyone involved takes a moment to review what needs to be done, consider the hazards and how they can best be minimized, verify that all the proper equipment is on hand (including what might be needed in an emergency situation), and ask questions to clarify anything that isn’t clear.
These time outs serve a different purpose than the “toolbox talks” at which employees review specific aspects of safety related to familiar tasks. While toolbox talks are typically held weekly, time outs tend to take place at the beginning of a shift or when a new task is started.
The information needed for time outs can usually be found in the project’s Job Safety Analysis (JSA), where all the tasks related to a particular project are detailed, along with their potential hazards. A thorough JSA also includes the proper precautions and equipment needed to reduce the inherent risks. For example, does the job involve at-height work that requires a suspension scaffold and a ladder truck, or a pre-rigged to lower system? Will you be working in an area exposed to asbestos dust?
In cases where a JSA is not available, the site supervisor should rely on experience and common sense to start the discussion about safety. This can also be useful if changing weather conditions are an issue.
Time outs may not be as formally structured as other safety briefings, but it’s still a good idea to document them thoroughly. In addition to the date and time, include the issues that were discussed and list the workers who were on hand. If the project is inspected by safety officials, that documentation will send a clear message that your team takes safety seriously.
None of us would want a quarterback to make a bad decision in order to speed up the game. Even when we’re in a hurry to wrap up a project, we’d be wise to take a time out to ensure everyone’s safety.
Need a refresher course on talking points for your next time out? Contact us to help you customize your own training program.
