A COMPLACENT WORKER
is pleased, especially with oneself or one’s merits, advantages, situation, etc.,
often without awareness of some potential danger or defect at the workplace.
An employee who is working on “autopilot mode” is most likely be the next person to be involved in a workplace accident. Anyone can become complacent; it is a state of mind that occurs when we let our guard down and stop looking out for hazards. This is when we may start to perform tasks unsafely and develop poor habits.
When we slip into this unfocused mental state, we also are inviting in near misses, accidents, and injuries, regardless of our age or experience level.
Here are few examples of workplace tasks, that can have serious consequences, if done incorrectly:
- Jumpstarting a vehicle
- Using a generator
- Fueling up machinery
- Cleaning up a chemical spill
If you experience the feeling of “zoning out”, one way to combat it, is to train others how a task should be safely performed while emphasizing avoiding shortcuts. By sharing our safety expertise with others, you then will reinforce the positive message to yourself.
Whenever you explain a task, be sure to include all the important steps, such as:
- The importance of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Always choosing the right tool for the job
- Why you should always wash your hands after handling chemicals
Signage, posters, newsletters, safety meetings, and trainings are other methods used to help remind us about safety. Remember to read those stickers before you step onto the first rung of the ladder or plug in the next extension cord.
If we don’t understand the risks associated our work-related tasks, we should ask questions or request training. Be aware, that whenever our job becomes a mindless routine, that feeling of complacency will try to slip in, and we should focus on always returning home safely.