Bolt V: Follow the Rules
Commentary
There are rules. The first is: Don't make us make a rule. These rules are born when mistakes are likely to happen. Ideally the Rule is made before injury, not after. Sometimes a replacement shop tool or the implementation of assistive technology will render a rule obsolete. This is great, the best rule is no rule.
Additionally, the shop is full of distraction. Possible creative projects, powerful tools with shortcuts and clever ways to save time. There are endless herds of yaks to shave, bike sheds to paint, and you will never ever get anything done unless you stay focused. Many of the principals speak to this, but when in doubt: follow the rules. There are checklists and custodial tasks that always need to be done, these can act as a kind of mental break due to their trivial checklist-driven nature. There can be a meditative sort of calm from the single-minded completion of a menial checklist.
The main thing is that there should be as few rules as possible, each should be as simple as possible, and they should all be followed strictly. If the rules specify a procedure for a tool, workspace, or maintenance task: follow it. Do one item at a time and don't skip any steps. Trust the process. Stay focused.
These rules are assembled into the The Rules. It should be available in print or electronically as a public document. They are available to anyone at any time, and they can be modified upon request at a tribunal (see Workshop Governance for more information).
The main thing is that there should be as few rules as possible, and they should all be followed strictly.
It is never dangerous to call it out when you see someone not following the rules.
To repeat that: It is never dangerous to call it out when you see someone not following the rules.
Do you see someone ignoring the rules? They are making you and others less safe. If someone is offended or annoyed that you reminded them of a rule, they do not belong in the workshop. The only appropriate response to being reminded that you are not following a rule is gratitude and adjustment. Thank you for the reminder, I don't know what I was thinking.
If you disagree with a rule or think it should be changed: do not ignore the rule, raise it with the tribunal.