I recommend regularly updating your branch of master via fast-forward. That way if you are working with a slightly different git history, git will complain loudly (refuse to update).
This also has the benefit of complaining if someone else has force pushed (changed history / removed commits) to upstream/master.
I guess it's unclear what you meant by "mess". Some companies think training their devs is worthwhile, especially after losing days/work/$ through git messes. :)
This also has the benefit of complaining if someone else has force pushed (changed history / removed commits) to upstream/master.
Catch it early.
https://leanpub.com/sanegit (I consult/train on this in SF/Bay area.)