Ingenious Effective Safeguards
![](/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-1.png)
What is a Safeguard?
We use the following graphic to explain what is a Safeguard…
![](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BombandWall.png)
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…
![](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Safeguard-Types.png)
Are All Safeguards Created Equal?
All Safeguards serve a purpose. Are all Safeguards created equal? No!
![](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Safeguard-Hierarchy.png)
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.
![](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/image-3.jpeg)
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…
![Jetbridge Safeguard](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Jet-Bridge-Safeguard.jpeg)
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?
![](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Untitled-design-20.jpg)
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.
![Implementation Advisors](https://www.taproot.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Implementation-Advisors-2.jpeg)
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.