Health Tips - Better Safe Than Sorry
Safe, Not Sorry
Safety. It’s a subject you’ve heard about since you were a child. You know there’s a risky way of doing things and a right way.
But how much of the safety message have you really taken to heart?
How often do you think about safety when you’re at work…at home…at play? If you’re like most people, probably not enough. We all tend to think that accidents only happen to other people - not to us.
Be safe, not sorry
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. All it takes is a moment’s inattention - one bad decision - and your life may be changed forever. When it comes to safety, little things make a big difference.
Ideally, safety is something that you should think about all the time, not just now and then. It’s in your own best interest to make good safety habits an integral part of your daily routine. When you really put your mind to it, safety is as easy as A-B-C!
A is for Attitude
When it comes to safety, attitude isn’t exactly everything, but it comes darn close. Attitude represents your frame of mind - the way you approach any situation.
A safe attitude means:
- Staying alert and focused on the job at hand. Concentration is the key - if you’re tired, bored or distracted, you’re much more accident-prone
- Taking safety guidelines and practices seriously
- Never fooling around or taking chances with safety
- Thinking of yourself as part of a team - safety is everyone’s responsibility
- Knowing the risks. It’s impossible to avoid all risks but you can be smart about your decisions - don’t take chances with your safety
- Never letting emotions, like anger or frustration, get in the way of job performance
B is for Behavior
Your reaction to a situation is a very important part of the safety equation.
Safe behaviour means:
- Following established safety guidelines and procedures
- Refusing to take “short-cuts” - take those extra few minutes to do the job the safe way
- Asking questions and gathering information about the task or activity you’re expected to perform
- Asking for assistance to carry out any tasks that are too complex or too physically demanding to be carried out by one person
- Using protective equipment, where appropriate
- Helping colleagues, friends and family understand the importance of safe practices
- Being prepared for emergencies
C is for Control
If you care about your safety and the safety of others, take responsibility for making your workplace, home or recreational facility a safe place to be - even when it isn’t “your job.”
Control means:
- Keeping your surroundings clean, orderly and free from hazards
- Cleaning up spills and debris or reporting them to the appropriate person
- Making sure that all walking areas or pathways are free from obstacles
- Keeping all machines and tools in good repair
- Storing chemicals properly
- Reporting faulty equipment, ventilation problems or potential hazards to the appropriate person
Attitude, behaviour and control are the three most important - and the simplest - aspects of personal safety. Take time to review your safety ABCs. Are you really doing all you can to protect yourself, and those around you, from careless accidents and needless injury?
Tags: Health Tips, Safety, safety tips