Spring brings unpredictable conditions. Ground that was frozen last week is soft today. Weather windows shift fast. Crews push to make up time from winter shutdowns.

When conditions change, the margin for error shrinks. And when the margin shrinks, peer accountability matters more, not less.

This is when shortcuts creep in. "We'll be fine, just this once." "It's almost done, don't stop now." "He knows what he's doing."

Those are the phrases that fill the gap where a real conversation should be.

If you see a crew member working in conditions that don't match the plan, say something. If the ground shifted and the setup doesn't account for it, say something. If the weather turned and the crew kept going, say something.

Spring conditions demand spring conversations. Don't let the pressure of making up time silence the voice that could save a life.

Before your first task today, ask yourself: Have conditions changed since the tailboard? If so, has anyone named it?

— Lito Wilkins