Safety in a single word! TBT

The word with which safety can be defined is PREVENTION.

" Prevention, comes from Latin and means "preparation to do something". Its lexical components are: the prefix pre- (before), venire (to come), plus the suffix -tion (action and effect).

It is generally accepted that at least 85% of all accidents are preventable. Taking personal responsibility for your work habits and work area and recognizing that an accident is most likely preventable is the first step to a safer workplace.

Prevention = Safety

Prevention Guidelines?

• –?Be alert. Most accidents occur because you or someone around you is not paying attention to what they are doing.
• –?Watch out for?the other guy. Note what your fellow employees are doing around you. Ensure that people are not acting irresponsibly or putting you or them in a potentially dangerous situation.
• –?Dress for safety. Do not wear loose fitting clothes, tie back or otherwise restrain long hair. Tie your shoes.
• –?Wear all?appropriate personal protective equipment. Never take short cuts and always take the time to wear your safety glasses, hard hats, work boots, safety gloves, fall protection, etc., no matter how inconvenient it may seem at the time.
• –?Read and follow?manufacturer’s label directions or MSDS on safe use, handling, and storage of chemicals or cleaning supplies.
• –?Do not operate?any equipment on which you have not received adequate training.
• –?Constantly inspect?your work area for hazards.
• –?Observe good housekeeping?and keep your area clean and hazard free.
• –?Take safety seriously. Get involved with your safety program. Bring up work site hazards to management and provide feedback and input during the safety meetings.
• –?Constantly inspect?your tools and equipment for defects such as missing or inoperable machine guards. Do not operate unsafe tools or equipment.
• –?Clean up?your work at the end of the day or as needed. Lock up equipment and secure your work area. Label and guard all hazards.
• –?Brush up?on your First Aid skills and frequently inspect the supplies in your first aid kit.
• –?Ask questions. If you are unsure of the safe way to perform a task or simply need assistance ask questions.
• –?Ask for help.?Never be afraid to ask management or fellow employees for assistance.

Prevention is often simply thinking before doing:

What might, or will, happen if I do it this way?

Is the way I’m planning to do this safe?

When we put learning first, people first, relationships first, respect first and life first, then we could talk about a real and deep definition of safety.

Stay safe!

JVP