"Safety First”. But, is it really?
This old cliché has been placed on millions of construction sites throughout the United States for decades. However, when I see a banner hanging from a fence or construction trailer in today’s environment, it does not necessarily guarantee a safe culture or a safe environment. Actually, the existence of this banner may be the only thing that indicates the company’s safety culture.
Before you throw a flag, let me explain.
Some years back I was on a project in New York City and a foreman approached me because one of his workers had tripped in a stairwell that was being finished. As the investigation came to its completion, it was determined he had tripped over a piece of sheet rock that was only 8" by ?" x4" in dimension. This 24-year old man had torn his shoulder and would never be the same.
Simply put, regardless of the size of this small piece, it was in fact a risk that should have been avoided by simply closing off the stair and posting an alternate route.
Safety is never first. First, you control your outcomes by the elimination of risk. Then, safety and all its benefits will follow.
Simplistic? Yes. Regardless of your trade or industry, if you dictate and plan ahead on the elimination of anything that could pose a risk, safety will always follow.
Darrell L Fullerton
Aerial Lift Safety Solutions - [email protected]
6 年I liked your statement here Darrell, "Safety is never first. First, you control your outcomes by the elimination of risk. Then, safety and all its benefits will follow". I feel the same way, including the inclusion of risk reducing engineered solutions as an enhancement to current safety programs.
Corporate Safety Manager at Paul J. Scariano, Inc.
6 年I have always said the same Darrell. Safety is a product of how we operate and produce.
MarshMMA Insurance & Risk Management Executive Zero Accident Culture??Consulting services
6 年Strong message.