Reflections... Summit Fever

As we are closing out this 2021 year, I want to first thank you for your contribution to making our APM successful. I expect 2021 will be a year we take great pride in our performance during challenging times. Yet 2021 is not over; we still have ~1400 craft teammates working ~60K hours on many jobsites (FW48), we are preparing to host multiple training events for both core teams and new superintendents, and we have many in the corporate offices working to “close the books” through the holiday season.

A phrase I see used often at this time of year is “Finish Strong”. I use it myself, both in work and at home. (Both my daughters have heard me say “finish” a few times as the fall soccer season comes to a close, and championship tournaments are being played in December.) While I embrace the word finish, I also recognize there is a risk to simply focusing on finishing, i.e., just get the job done. That risk was highlighted recently by one of our Safety Mangers, Mike Grotton, in a call with our Steam Fossil Division Ops Leaders and Superintendents. The risk is labeled “Summit Fever”. As we approach the holiday season and end of year work, let us be aware of the summit fever mentality.

What is Summit Fever?

Summit fever is a mentality shift that occurs when we can see the finish line. It is sprinting the last portion of the race. It is rushing to meet deadlines, hurrying to get out the door. This can quickly spiral and lead to recklessness and impaired judgment.

How does it impact you?

Added stress due to self-imposed time constraints can quickly lead to more pressure and distractions. That can then lead us to ignore or not even see hazards. And when we do that, we increase risk of harm to our self, to our teammates, to or our work.

How to Avoid Summit Fever?

To avoid this risky mentality, we must all prioritize the disciplines that lead to excellence, the disciplines we often call our Safety Keystone mentality. Start your day with your plan and your commitments (STA + CBS). Follow your standard processes and procedures (Standard Work and SOPs). Continue your normal rhythms (Daily & Weekly Management). And if you sense something is wrong, STOP!

Please remember, there is a difference between getting the job done, and getting the job done right.

Jake