You're facing pressure to rush hazardous waste disposal. How do you prioritize safety over speed?

Remember, a safe process is ultimately a more efficient one, as it minimizes the risk of accidents that could cause delays and require costly cleanups.

There are two points that can be made to have an impact on those who are putting pressure on you to rush. The first is that everyone has the right to be safe, it should simply be that the way that you do business is in a responsible manner that prioritises health, safety and the environment. Everybody else is doing it and you’ll fall behind your competition if you don’t. The second point is that the penalties you risk getting cost infinitely more money than can be gained by rushing. Consider not only the fines you may have to pay, but also the future work you will miss out on because of reputation damage. It is just not worth the risk.

Regular training updates and drills can help maintain high safety standards and preparedness. By investing time in training, you mitigate risks and reinforce a culture of safety that values doing things right over doing them quickly.

Training should always cover the background as well as practicalities. In other words the “why” as much as the “how”. Operatives need to know reasons as much as processes because it motivates them to do the right thing. If you tell someone to wear PPE, like a respirator while handling hazardous waste but don’t explain that the reason is because there may be airborne volatile compounds that could give them long term health conditions, then there’s a higher chance the operative will remove the respirator when it gets a bit hot etc.

A detailed plan not only ensures safety but also streamlines the process, reducing the need to rush and increasing overall efficiency.

This ensures everyone is aware of their roles, responsibilities, and the importance of following safety protocols. It also allows for quick identification and resolution of any issues that may arise, preventing unnecessary haste that could compromise safety.

This includes regular checks on equipment, PPE, and the condition of the waste itself. Monitoring helps identify potential problems early, allowing for timely interventions that keep the process on track without sacrificing safety for speed.

This reflective practice helps to develop more efficient processes that do not compromise on safety, ensuring that even under pressure, you are equipped to handle hazardous waste responsibly.

It's crucial to have a well-trained team who understands the importance of safety procedures and the potential consequences of mishandling materials.