In 2021, a "perfect storm” of COVID-19 lockdowns, geopolitical turmoil, shifts in demand, and widespread labor shortages hit the global economy and brought about unprecedented upheaval to supply chains. Ever since, consumers have had to contend with shortages in basic goods once taken for granted, such as baby formula, gasoline, lumber, and, of course, toilet paper.

Against a backdrop of ongoing supply chain issues, some shortages have proven to be merely inconvenient, while others resulted in more far-reaching, unexpected outcomes. Scarcities in assembly components, for instance, have led to more on-the-job manufacturing injuries. In part, this has been a consequence of plant managers reengineering long-established processes to adapt to a new "normal” of uncertainty and delays. Understaffed, overworked and pressured to get more done with less, employees have had to scramble to alter their work practices, often on the fly and without adequate safety training.