INADEQUATE OR OUTDATED PROCEDURES When a mishap occurs, examine the procedures you followed just before the mishap. They may be in error or they  may  not  provide  enough  detailed  “how-to” information.  Or, perhaps the technical manual was not updated when a piece of equipment was upgraded or replaced. As a result, you could inadvertently be using the wrong procedures for a particular task. If this is the case,  take   the   initiative   to  complete  the  required paperwork to update the technical manual. INADEQUATE  SAFETY  PRECAUTIONS You  must  be   aware   of   the   safety   precautions associated with the job or task you are performing. They must either be posted in your work area or listed in the technical  manual  you’re  using.  If  they  aren’t  available, you could be attempting something hazardous and not even  know  it.  Make  sure  you  read  ALL  applicable precautions.  Even  if  you  performed  the  task  before  and are  familiar  with  it,  it’s  possible  that  new  or  revised precautions  exist. BEHAVIORAL FACTORS THAT CAUSE MISHAPS Your  behavior  is  much  more  complex  than  the equipment   you   operate   and   maintain.   Equipment, regardless  of  how  it’s  designed  and  powered,  is predictable in its response to certain cues or signals. If a piece of equipment quits working, you can isolate the fault to a specific part with the use of test equipment and schematics. This isn’t true for you. Your behavior while performing a task is based on a combination of factors that come from your unique  experiences, knowledge, attitude, and motivation. Each of the above factors can affect your behavior regarding   safety.   Behavior   that   leads   to   a   mishap is   usually   caused   by   undesirable   attitudes  a n d motivations.         Attitudes. Attitudes  are  complex  mental  states that affect your reaction toward some object, event, or state of affairs. They cause you to form opinions and act in certain predictable ways, some favorable and others unfavorable. Attitudes that do not support safe behavior hamper  mishap  prevention.  And,  they  can  also  actually cause  mishaps.         Motivations. Motivations  are  incentives  for  spe- cific acts. Your behavior is based on your motivation, and your motivation is shaped by your attitudes. Ensur- ing that you have positive motivations toward job safety is clearly a very complex problem. It’s complicated be- cause you do not simply react to the basic needs of com- fort,  security,  affiliation,  and  self-fulfillment.  Your motivations on and off the job are also greatly affected by the attitudes, feeling, tensions, and emotions of the world  around  you.  The  following  are  some  undesirable motivations that can lead you to mishaps in the work- place: — Motivation to save time and effort — Motivation to maintain personal comfort —  Motivation  to  gain  approval  and  attract attention — Motivation to express resentment Motivation to Save Time and Effort You  may  sometimes  be  more  concerned  about doing a job quickly than you are about doing it safely. You may believe that saving time and effort will leave extra time for “shooting the breeze” or taking a break. Or, you may just find satisfaction in being the first to finish. Motivations   like   these   can   cause   incorrectly dissembled parts, jury-rigged equipment, incorrect use of   tools,   improper   procedures,   equipment   damage, and  injury.  Sometimes  a  command’s  operational commitments or a supervisor’s demands, if excessive, will lead to unsafe actions that you normally wouldn’t consider  doing. Motivation to Maintain Personal Comfort Sometimes you perform a job incorrectly because some of the actions required to perform the job properly cause you discomfort. For example, when a task calls for safety goggles, you may decide not to wear them because they’re uncomfortable. The same can apply to hearing protection, safety shoes, and safety harnesses. You may believe you aren’t susceptible to injury—but you are. 1-6