Don’t Let a One-Sided Paper Trail Lead You Down the Wrong Path – 1/12/26

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Management Platform

Don’t Let a One-Sided Paper Trail Lead You Down the Wrong Path

The Problem: One-Sided Paper Trails

If there’s one thing that can derail real safety in the workplace, it’s the “One-Sided Paper Trail.” You know what I’m talking about. It’s when a company, OSHA, or a prequalification company asks you to submit a safety program, safety training documentation, and other supporting safety documentation. Once it’s approved, it’s the last time safety will be discussed unless there’s an accident on the job.

We had a client tell us just in the past few months that getting his safety submittals approved was next to impossible, but when he got on the job, based on the hazards he saw, safety was the last thing on anyone’s mind. Sound familiar?

This issue has been brought up more than once over the years and takes place all too often.

The Solution: A Two-Sided Paper Trail Approach

So, why not look at the 2-sided Paper Trail approach to Safety?

Where eliminating hazards and preventing accidents is on the front side, and it is supported by the Paper Trail on the backside. The key to a safe worksite is not in the paper, it’s in recognizing hazards and eliminating the potential for accidents. The paper is there to support your effort, ensuring you know what to do, how it was done, and to be used as supporting documentation should an incident take place.

The Switch: A New Approach to Safety

Quite a switch, wouldn’t you say? But it’s one that provides real value and a great ROI – It protects employees, company reputations, and profits.

Don’t let a one-sided paper trail lead you down the wrong path when a 2-sided approach will get you where you need to be. Working together, we’ll make it happen.

Get Started Today

Start building a two-sided paper trail today! You’ll be glad you did.

Management QuickTip: As we enter the new year, let go of outdated beliefs that safety is a cost rather than a valuable investment in your team’s well-being and productivity.

Employee QuickTip: This year, let go of the old mindset that being tough means ignoring safety; prioritize your well-being and set a positive example for your coworkers.

Have you received your first Safety E-QuickTip and would like to check out some QuickTips from the past? Check out our Safety E-QuickTips Archive Page on our website.

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Stay Safe!

Your OWYN Safety Solution Team

Keith B. Dague, President