Toolbox Talk

Workplace Complacency

  • Why is complacency a concern at work? Complacency is extremely dangerous in the workplace. We get so used to things being done the same way that we do not always look at the hazards in our surroundings. We may also underestimate the risks associated with the tasks that we perform regularly, or fail to notice a change in our environment when we become complacent in our daily routines.

When working on the job, there is danger when an individual goes on auto-pilot. All too often we don’t realize how complacent we are until we have a near miss or incident. When something like this happens, it jump-starts our heart. Most incidents are caused by unsafe acts. We all need to help create a safe workplace. Most incidents that occur involve people being complacent about safety. If you begin to work in auto-pilot mode, and stop paying attention to what you are doing, that can lead to taking short cuts and taking risks.

What can you and everyone else do to prevent complacency?

If you aren’t consciously thinking about what could go wrong while you work, you are not completing the task safely. It’s extremely important for you, and everyone else at work, to think ahead. As you approach each task consider the following:

  • Who and what are you working with?
  • What will you be doing?
  • What may have changed?
  • What could go wrong?

Always examine equipment, procedures and the hazards that may exist and focus physically and mentally on your work, no matter how many times you may have done the same job in the past. 

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