Heard a new guy on site say 'it's just a short lift' about a 40-ton load

We were setting up for a pick at the new hospital build in Tacoma. The load was a prefab mechanical unit, about 40 tons. The new apprentice radioed up, 'It's just a short lift, we're good.' That phrase made my gut drop. Told him right then, there's no 'just' a lift. Every pick needs the full check, wind, rigging, the whole plan. How do you guys handle that kind of talk with new crew?

3 comments

3 Comments

diana_kim6610d ago

Man, that phrase would make me nervous too. I used to have that same easy attitude when I was new, until I saw a simple panel flip go wrong because someone skipped a step. It's not about the distance, it's about the weight and what could happen. You were right to shut that down right away. How do you get them to understand it's the routine that keeps everyone safe?

xena_bailey1810d ago

Tell them to picture the exact moment it goes wrong, like really see the panel falling. I ask new guys to hold the heavy end for a full minute while we talk through each latch. The boredom of the routine makes the point better than any yelling. They get it when they feel the strain in their arms.

jamie_webb6710d ago

Yeah @xena_bailey18, that "boredom of the routine" line is the whole lesson right there.