The Dirty Dozen - complacency #5

Complacency can be defined as how one gets over-confident in his work. This is often a self given satisfaction, one might think that since something has worked for you in the past, the same thing will work for you in the future. This is where the dangers of complacency would kick in.

Typically, complancency steps in after one has overcome a reasonably significant accomplishment. It's usually found in a person who has a lot of experience on the job or in one who has done a certain task multiple times.

Causes of complacency
The causes of complacency can vary, some of which can be found in;
- Personnel's with lots of experience thinking that they can do their job without following the manual.
- Personnel's who's activities are routine resulting in personnels getting bored or tires of their job or;
- Personnel's who show off by performing a task without using the proper guidelines and procedures.


Effects of complacency
When complacency kicks in, people will have the tendency to;
- Allow experiences to guide their expectations
- taking shortcuts or skipping a step
- Not following the proper guidelines & procedures
- Develop an attitude that everything will be done right and nothing would go wrong.


Safety net
The prevention of complacency:
- Use a checklist
- Perform every job according to its regulation and procedures
- Never work from memory
- Always verify your job upon completion
- Remind yourself of the dangers of complacency, do not let it kick in.

The Dirty Dozen - Lack of resources #4

A lack of resources can interfere with one's ability to complete a task give because there is a lack of supply and support. Low quality products also affect one's ability to complete a task

Cause and effects of the lack of resources

• The followings are the common contribution to the lack of resources;

• When supplies are not available from suppliers

• During job performances, parts may not be available or up to date

• Employees may assume on other solution when the proper resource is not available

• Employees may forget the missing resource during job procedures.

Effects of the lack of resources

• The effects caused by the lack of resources;

• Unnecessary delays on task while parts are being placed order, made or retrofitted.

• Fatigue on employees over doing more tasks which may lead to human errors, injuries or accidents.

• Low quality of the job done

• Jobs not be able to be completed due to unavailable spare parts

Safety nets for the lack of resources

• Update on parts being purchased, used or maintained - create an inventory to prevent parts from being unavailable when needed

• Always use the correct tools, if special tools or equipment are not available, custom-make them.

• Preserve all tools and equipment  through proper maintenance

The Dirty Dozen - Lack of teamwork #3

The lack of teamwork can be define as the presence of a interdependent individuals who does not work together or communicate well with others to achieve a common set of goals.

Cause and effects of the lack of teamwork

The common causes of the lack of teamwork can be caused by;

• Individuals who work by themselves and not communicate to the rest of the team to achieve the same set of common goals;

• Individuals unclear of their roles and responsibilities, causing confusing and frustration.

• Decisions are made by one or two people in the group, without the team's majority agreement or acknowledgement.

• Problems found by an individual is not addressed to fellow team members, therefore leading to teamwork problems and performance issues

Effects

The lack of teamwork can lead to;

• Confusion and frustration among the team;

• Poor performance and results in the standard of the job given;

• The lack of communication resulting in problems and issues not being addressed.

Safety nets of the lack of teamwork;

The follow measures can be taken to as a safety net for the lack of teamwork;

• Having an effective plan among the team-mates - clarify all team goals, roles and responsibilities

• Make sure every individual understand their roles in completing the job

• Follow proper procedures and communicate with each other clearly

• Make sure every individual have a balance participation and not some doing too much work and some too little

• Be pro-active on the job, take initiatives and be aware of the team's progress.

The Dirty Dozen - Lack of knowledge #2

Lack of knowledge can be defined as the lack of experience or training in the task at hand. Often one must ensure that their personnel have the required training before getting them to perform any task they're unfamiliar with.

Cause and effects of  Lack of knowledge

There are various factors that can contribute to the lack of knowledge, instances such as;

• New equipment
• New technology
• Inadequate training or;
• Not following of procedures and regulations.

Effects of Lack of knowledge

A personnel who lacks the knowledge and chooses to continue to perform his job might end up damaging the equipment his handling with or even worse, injuring himself or others around him.

Safety nets of lack of knowledge

There are many ways to prevent the lack of knowledge,

• Never do a task if you don't know how to do it;

• Never hesitate to ask - always approach a senior or supervisor who has more experience with the job

• Always use up to date manuals, follow procedures and manuals;

• Never rely on memory, consult the relevant technical manual whenever necessary

• Don't let pride get in the way - be a lifelong learner,  ask someone who knows or get the necessary training if needed.

The Dirty Dozen - Lack of communication #1

Lack of communication

In general only 30% of verbal communication is received and understood by either side in a conversation.

People normally remember what was said first an last in an exchange; consequently it is important to put the most important part of your message first and then repeat it at the end

Depending on the complexity of the message it might be effective to provide some form of written instruction such as a check-list.

Cause and effects of lack of communication

Lack of communication can be caused by ;

Poor relationship between colleagues, employers and supervisors.

Resulting in lack of communication due to personal conflicts and having disagreements over petty issues.

Effects

In many instances, lack of communication can have impacts such as;

Decrease a person's performance

Lost of trust and respect between colleagues

Jobs getting delayed or not getting done right.

Safety nets of lack of communication

• Lack of communication can be prevented in many ways, the following measures can be taken to prevent such incidents from occurring;

• Personnel should practice the 3-way of communication - Verbally, non-verbally (body language) and written.

• Information should always be provided to the right people at the right time;

• Important information should be written down to prevent one from forgetting or missing it.

• Briefings should be conducted before, during and after jobs to keep all personnel's updated on what's happening and what they're doing;

• Do not assume anything, always ask when in doubt.