Safety Contacts
Safety information for you from Administration’s Risk Management Division
Are You Complacent?
My mornings
go a lot like this.
- My alarm goes off, and the dogs jump up tails wagging ready to greet the day with a potty break.
- I head downstairs to let them out to do their business.
- As I wait, I pour and drink a large glass of cool water while I ready the coffee.
- By the time the coffee is done, the dogs are barking to come in and eat breakfast.
- After I prepare their meals, I then take my coffee upstairs and drink it while I get myself presentable.
-
In the last ten to fifteen minutes of my routine, I let the dogs out again, pack my lunch into a canvas bag, add ice to
my water bottle, and refresh the dog’s water.
I’m on
autopilot most mornings, barely even awake until I arrive at my desk. I added up over 20 tasks that I accomplish, but
I had to really think about what my
routine was to even write this story! Does this make me complacent?
What is Complacency?
Complacency
means being satisfied with the current situation while being unaware to
potential danger.
How
Does Complacency Apply At Work?
Being
complacent can happen anywhere by definition, but in the workplace it can be
especially dangerous for safety sensitive positions. Employees that perform repetitive tasks or fall
into a daily routine are vulnerable to going on autopilot. Going on autopilot can lead to developing bad
habits and shortcuts that can create scenarios where employees become injured
or, even worse, accidents that result in death.
Don’t let complacency get the best of you!
How To Prevent Complacency?
-
Planning for the task -Prepare to be safe by identifying & eliminating hazards prior to starting a task
Example: Clear the area you will be working in to ensure fall hazards are removed.
-
Mind on task-Eliminate distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Example: Make a habit of assessing your surroundings as you are walking and/or working on a task and pledge not to multitask.
-
Engage-Provide process improvement ideas to leadership regarding the task and alert to any hazards found.
Example: Periodically evaluate job duties to ensure the current process is efficient and safe.
-
Alert- Provide feedback to your coworkers when you see unsafe acts.
Example: Stop complacency in its tracks by recognizing and alerting coworkers to short cuts and unsafe acts that could result in injury.
Still not convinced complacency can affect you?
Check out the additional resources below:
Complacency from SafetyToolboxTopics
Complacency -- The Silent Killer from Occupational Health & Safety Magazine
 What are you doing to actively ensure a safe workplace?
Learn your role in eliminating workplace injuries at mn.gov/mnsafe.
|
| 
