Is Run to Failure an Effective Safety Strategy Part II
Pole Drop Video
Working and training under pressure in some cases can produce many different results. In some instances production can increase and product can moves quicker. There are some risks associated with the pressure. The previous article “Is Run to Failure an Effective Safety Strategy” mentioned the stand down and plant turnaround strategy. It produces a lot of overtime hours and the faster the job gets done the less time the product, such as electricity or widgets is not being produced and sold.
Before you watch the video of a lineman training exercise I want to make a few points. High line rescue is a fundamental skill that all linemen must know. The potential working with high voltage can incapacitate a worker if not outright kill them. Linemen are also skilled in CPR and or rescue breathing. The goal is to get an injured worker to help as soon as possible as every second counts.
The exercise the trainee is performing is to rescue an injured coworker. Have a look at the video and then we’ll discuss. Be sure to listen to both the lead trainer and the cross talk in the background.
There is a tendency to nickname apprentices in many trades. The first thing that jumps out to me is “C’mon Goob.” I don’t know for sure but I am betting this apprentice is not named Goober. Secondly listen for the prompting from someone in the background rooting on the worker. Each knows that they could be the next injury and want to get help ASAP. The worker is attempting to unfasten the dummies line and not moving fast enough. Finally the lead instructor tells the worker “just cut it, just cut it!” Here’s is where the pressure takes over and the lineman forgets his procedure.
Before the fall the lead trainer realized the cutting of the line was going to have the exact outcome and tells the worker “you’d better get that rope.” It was too late. The lineman training centers I have been at have a bed of soft material to protect from trainee falls. The lineman was not injured in the fall but certainly must have felt inadequate.
At first glance the video is somewhat comical. Taking a second or third look you can see the potential for a serious injury as the dummy falls and drags the worker to the ground. The dummies are full weighted so that the training is as realistic as possible. Had this been in the field with no soft landing the rescue would now include two workers not one.
When you are walking your spaces as a safety professional, a team leader, a supervisor be on constant lookout for pressure situations that carry elevated risk. Keep in mind that your presence may actually be causing some pressure.
As we train workers it is wise to be aware they are trying to perform the task and please the instructor but not always in that order. As in the video the worker did exactly as he was instructed to do. The successful task completion under a stressful environment produce a total failure. Who’s to blame? Feel free to provide your thoughts.
Before you watch the video of a lineman training exercise I want to make a few points. High line rescue is a fundamental skill that all linemen must know. The potential working with high voltage can incapacitate a worker if not outright kill them. Linemen are also skilled in CPR and or rescue breathing. The goal is to get an injured worker to help as soon as possible as every second counts.
The exercise the trainee is performing is to rescue an injured coworker. Have a look at the video and then we’ll discuss. Be sure to listen to both the lead trainer and the cross talk in the background.
There is a tendency to nickname apprentices in many trades. The first thing that jumps out to me is “C’mon Goob.” I don’t know for sure but I am betting this apprentice is not named Goober. Secondly listen for the prompting from someone in the background rooting on the worker. Each knows that they could be the next injury and want to get help ASAP. The worker is attempting to unfasten the dummies line and not moving fast enough. Finally the lead instructor tells the worker “just cut it, just cut it!” Here’s is where the pressure takes over and the lineman forgets his procedure.
Before the fall the lead trainer realized the cutting of the line was going to have the exact outcome and tells the worker “you’d better get that rope.” It was too late. The lineman training centers I have been at have a bed of soft material to protect from trainee falls. The lineman was not injured in the fall but certainly must have felt inadequate.
At first glance the video is somewhat comical. Taking a second or third look you can see the potential for a serious injury as the dummy falls and drags the worker to the ground. The dummies are full weighted so that the training is as realistic as possible. Had this been in the field with no soft landing the rescue would now include two workers not one.
When you are walking your spaces as a safety professional, a team leader, a supervisor be on constant lookout for pressure situations that carry elevated risk. Keep in mind that your presence may actually be causing some pressure.
As we train workers it is wise to be aware they are trying to perform the task and please the instructor but not always in that order. As in the video the worker did exactly as he was instructed to do. The successful task completion under a stressful environment produce a total failure. Who’s to blame? Feel free to provide your thoughts.