Ingenious Effective Safeguards
What is a Safeguard?
We use the following graphic to explain what is a Safeguard…
We also explain the variety of types of Hazards (sources of energy) with this graphic in our 5-Day TapRooT® Advanced Root Cause Analysis Team Leader Course…
Are All Safeguards Created Equal?
All Safeguards serve a purpose. Are all Safeguards created equal? No!
How can you use this knowledge when you create corrective actions?
Stronger Corrective Actions (Safeguards)
One of the concepts we teach in TapRooT® Training is that you should consider implementing the strongest Safeguards possible when developing corrective actions. This is especially true when the incidents involve high-risk sources of energy.
One Example of a Stronger Safeguard
At an airport, an airline employee was killed when their foot and leg were crushed by a jet bridge wheel.
The initial corrective actions were:
- Re-emphasize the rule to keep clear the moving jet bridge wheels while the jet bridge is in motion.
- Have a spotter to watch for people around the wheels whenever the jet bridge is moved.
These Safeguards are both low (a 5 or a 6) on the Safeguard Hierarchy.
What could they do? Here is a picture of a jet bridge in Frankfurt, Germany…
Do you think this Safeguard will be more effective?
Second Example of a Stronger Safeguard
Last week I was talking with someone who had a friend in high school that lost two fingers while using a table saw in shop class. What were the safeguards?
Be careful!
Did you know that there are over 60,000 table saw accidents each year? Obviously “be careful” isn’t an adequate Safeguard. (And it is definitely a 6 on the hierarchy above.)
What is an ingenious, effective Safeguard? Watch the video below and learn…
What do you think? At least a 3 on the Safeguard Hierarchy.
Use Effective Safeguards
If you have attended a TapRooT® Root Cause Analysis Course, let this be a reminder to implement effective Safeguards as part of your corrective actions.
If you haven’t attended a TapRooT® Root Cause Analysis Course … What are you waiting for? Attend one of these TapRooT® Courses:
Want to attend a public course? See the upcoming Public TapRooT® Courses around the world here:
https://store.taproot.com/courses
Want to sponsor a course at your site? Then contact us by CLICKING HERE or calling 865-539-2139. Our TapRooT® Implementation Advisors are ready to help you choose the best course for your needs.
The previous materials/graphics are copyrighted by System Improvements, Inc. and are used here by permission. All rights are reserved worldwide and duplication is prohibited.
