The High Cost of Allowing Shortcuts: How Normalised Unsafe Practices Led to a Serious Injury and Financial Fine

In a recent case in Dandenong South, Victoria, a company was fined $65,000 after a worker suffered a life-altering injury, resulting in the amputation of a finger. This serious incident highlights the dangers of allowing vulnerable workers to take “accepted” shortcuts in their tasks—unsafe practices that, although normalised over time, can have severe consequences for both employees and employers.

The incident serves as a reminder that cutting corners, no matter how routine they may appear, puts workers at significant risk and exposes businesses to financial penalties, legal liabilities, and reputational harm. By examining how this situation unfolded, we can gain insight into the importance of enforcing rigorous safety protocols and the dangers of overlooking unsafe behaviours.

The Incident: A Vulnerable Worker Taking Shortcuts

The injured worker was assigned to operate a machine in a busy production area, handling tasks that required careful attention to safety protocols. However, over time, shortcuts had become the norm in the workplace, with employees performing certain tasks in ways that deviated from official safety procedures. These practices had become widely accepted among workers and supervisors alike, and the company failed to address or correct them.

Unfortunately, this culture of normalization around shortcuts had devastating consequences for one worker, who attempted to bypass standard procedures, believing this was an accepted practice. The worker’s hand came into direct contact with a dangerous part of the machine, resulting in the amputation of a finger.

Why “Accepted” Shortcuts are Dangerous

1. Shortcuts Compromise Safety Protocols:

   - Safety protocols are designed with worker protection in mind. When workers take shortcuts—whether to save time, increase productivity, or ease physical strain—they bypass essential safeguards and expose themselves to preventable risks.

   - In this case, the accepted shortcut removed a critical step meant to prevent direct contact with moving machinery. By allowing this shortcut to go unaddressed, the company essentially undermined the purpose of its safety protocols.

2. Normalization of Unsafe Practices Increases Risk:

   - When unsafe practices become normalised, they may no longer appear risky to workers. Over time, repeated shortcuts can create a false sense of security, making workers believe that their actions are safe simply because nothing has gone wrong so far.

   - This normalization is particularly dangerous for vulnerable workers who may feel pressured to conform to workplace norms, even if those norms violate safety guidelines.

3. Vulnerable Workers Are at Higher Risk:

   - Vulnerable workers, including those new to the role, young employees, or individuals with limited training, are often at higher risk of injury. They may feel unable to question practices, challenge unsafe behaviours, or ask for clarification on protocols.

   - In this incident, the worker likely assumed that the shortcut was an acceptable method of performing their tasks, unaware or unsure of the potential consequences. Businesses have an added responsibility to protect such workers by ensuring they follow safe practices and feel comfortable raising safety concerns.

The Financial and Legal Repercussions for the Company

WorkSafe Victoria investigated the incident and found that the company had failed in its duty to enforce safety procedures and protect its workers from foreseeable risks. As a result, the company was fined $65,000 for its negligence.

This financial penalty represents only part of the cost to the business. Legal fees, potential increases in workers’ compensation premiums, and the impact on company reputation are all additional expenses that come from failing to enforce safety standards. Such costs could have been avoided entirely if the company had proactively addressed unsafe practices rather than allowing shortcuts to become normalised.

How Normalised Shortcuts Lead to More Than Just Financial Losses

1. Physical and Emotional Toll on the Injured Worker:

   - The physical impact of the amputation on the injured worker is profound, affecting not only their ability to work but also their quality of life and future career options. Amputations are traumatic injuries that often require lengthy recovery and rehabilitation, impacting a worker’s physical and mental well-being.

   - Emotional trauma, pain, and the challenges of adapting to new limitations are often under-recognized consequences of workplace injuries.

2. Decline in Workplace Morale and Trust:

   - Incidents like these can negatively impact morale within the workplace, especially if workers feel that management ignored or encouraged shortcuts. When employees see their coworkers injured, they may lose trust in their employer’s commitment to safety.

   - Low morale can lead to higher turnover, reduced productivity, and a disengaged workforce, costing the business in terms of both efficiency and reputation.

3. Loss of Business Reputation:

   - Companies known for unsafe practices may struggle to attract new clients, customers, or employees. As awareness of workplace safety grows, businesses are under increasing scrutiny from the public and potential partners regarding their safety records.

   - A reputation for prioritizing productivity over safety can damage the long-term sustainability of a business, making it difficult to compete in a market where safety and corporate responsibility are valued.

What Businesses Can Do to Prevent Normalised Shortcuts

To prevent incidents like this from occurring, businesses must take a proactive stance on safety. Here are essential steps to prevent shortcuts from becoming accepted practice:

1. Provide Regular Safety Training:

   - Consistent safety training ensures that all employees, especially vulnerable ones, understand proper procedures and the importance of following protocols. Training sessions should reinforce the reasons behind each step and highlight the risks of taking shortcuts.

2. Create a Culture of Safety Accountability:

   - Supervisors and managers should model safe behaviour and discourage shortcuts, regularly checking that employees are following protocols. Holding everyone accountable for safety fosters a culture where employees understand that shortcuts are unacceptable.

3. Encourage Open Communication:

   - Vulnerable workers may feel hesitant to voice concerns. By creating open lines of communication, management can ensure that all workers feel comfortable asking questions or reporting unsafe practices without fear of backlash.

4. Conduct Regular Audits and Risk Assessments:

   - Routine safety audits can identify and correct any unsafe practices that may have become common. Risk assessments should be conducted for all tasks involving machinery, ensuring protocols are up-to-date and strictly followed.

5. Enforce Consequences for Non-Compliance:

   - When unsafe practices are identified, it is critical to address and rectify them immediately. Reinforce policies with clear consequences for those who take shortcuts, making it clear that safety protocols are non-negotiable.

Shortcuts Are Never Worth the Risk

The $65,000 fine levied against the Dandenong South company following this tragic incident underscores the cost of allowing unsafe practices to become normalised. The life-changing impact on the injured worker, coupled with the financial repercussions for the company, serves as a sobering reminder that even small shortcuts can have devastating consequences.

Ensuring a safe workplace requires consistent training, accountability, and vigilance. By fostering a culture that prioritizes safety and discourages shortcuts, businesses can protect their workers, reduce legal and financial risks, and build a stronger, more resilient organisation.

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Author’s note: I was personally involved in the response inspection to this incident in Dandenong South, Victoria, and witnessed firsthand the tragic results. Let this serve as a call to action for all businesses to take every precaution to protect their employees.