Health and Safety first!

Why is it so important to say STOP? This little word can protect us from harm.

Today, children already learn in kindergarten to say STOP if they feel uncomfortable or afraid of a situation. Considering our natural early warning system – our gut feeling – we often can prevent accidents. Of course, rules and safety regulations must also be followed.

At Sika, safety comes first. We are strongly committed to a healthy and safe working environment (Health and Safety (sika.com). However, safety is not only the task of authorities, employers, supervisors, human resource, and security managers – safety is everybody’s business. We have a duty to say STOP when we recognize dangerous situations.

Dangers lurk everywhere. Not only on the construction site, but also in the office as well as in the private and public sector, numerous fall and tripping accidents occur with sometimes serious consequences.

Reading my mails while climbing stairs, on the way to work or shopping in order to optimize unproductive time? In the office, I leave drawers or cabinet doors open and put my laptop bag on the floor between the desks. I do not see the risk of injury for myself or others.

Distraction, multitasking, disregard of regulations and, and thoughtlessness lead us to suppress or ignore sources of danger.

If we recognize potential dangers, it is important to intervene courageously and draw attention to them. Possible obstacles can be removed by, for example, picking up the laptop bag from the floor, closing the open drawer or cabinet door and holding the ladder to the neighbor while he harvests his apple tree. Sounds very simple, but it's not.

Saying STOP and intervening takes a little courage. However, this courage is required and makes an important contribution to the safety and health of all.

With this in mind: StaySafe!

#wearesika #healthandsafety #safetyfirst #safetyintheworkplace