187: Job Plan/Instructions to Workers Issue
Definition/Typical Issues
Did immediate supervision fail to provide proper preparation (e.g., instructions, job plan, pre-job briefing, walkthrough) for the task performed? Did immediate supervision provide an incorrect, incomplete, or otherwise inadequate job plan for performance of the work?
Did immediate supervision provide incorrect, incomplete, or otherwise inadequate job instructions before the beginning of work?
Note 1: This node addresses the overall directions (written and verbal) to workers. The Ineffective Walkthrough (#188) node addresses showing personnel how to perform the task in the field.
Examples
Example 1
- An immediate supervisor sent her crew out to paint stripes in a parking lot. No instructions were given for the job. As a result, the crew used the wrong color paint to stripe the lot. In addition, the resulting parking spaces were not of adequate size to accommodate anything bigger than compact cars.
Example 2
- A job required the coordinated effort of the operators, mechanics, and electricians. The electricians were the lead group on the project. The electrical supervisor failed to arrange for support from the other two groups. As a result, the job was delayed for 4 hours.
Example 3
- A new unit was undergoing its first turnaround. During the turnaround, maintenance personnel contaminated the replacement catalyst because of handling/loading errors. The new catalyst required special handling precautions that the crew was not aware of. The turnaround plans were the same as for the old unit that was replaced and did not provide for special handling of the new catalyst.
Example 4
- An electrician was instructed to check the potential transformer on the main generator. His supervisor meant to tell him to check the potential transformer on an emergency generator. When the electrician opened the access panel on the main generator, the plant shut down.
Typical Recommendations
- Ensure that supervisors understand that it is their responsibility to provide subordinates with instructions and/or a job plan and to conduct walkthroughs when appropriate (to show workers the location of equipment, discuss the proper sequence of steps, etc.).
- Provide supervisors with written job descriptions so that responsibilities are clearly communicated and documented.
- Provide coaching to supervisors whose job preparation skills need improvement.
- Establish an administrative procedure that requires all supervisors (including contract supervisors) to provide their subordinates with a job plan that includes instructions necessary for completing nonroutine job tasks.
- Establish a facility-wide job plan format to ensure that all necessary information is included in the job plan.
- Train supervisors on how to give instructions and how to verify that instructions are understood.
- Provide periodic leadership training for supervisors.
Cross-References
| Version 10 Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 182 | No Preparation |
| 183 | Job Plan LTA |
| 184 | Instructions To Workers LTA |
| Maritime Element(s) | |
|---|---|
| Node ID | Node Name |
| 210 | Unclear Instructions to Personnel |
| 209 | No Preparation |