Safety is Your Responsibility

Here are some key points:

• Treat safety as an important part of your job.
• Always be on the lookout for hazards.
• Don’t take shortcuts, show off, or engage in horseplay.
• Pay attention to safety warning signs.

Why do accidents happen?

• The vast majority of accidents can be avoided.
• One of the best ways to avoid them is to always be safety conscious.
• These are some of the reasons why accidents occur:
  • Carelessness
  • Lack of training
  • Not paying attention to what you’re doing
  • Having a “know-it-all” attitude
  • Taking shortcuts
  • Being overtired
  • Being in too much of a hurry
  • Letting stress or other emotions interfere with your job
• Most accidents can be prevented if you treat safety as an important responsibility.

Hurrying results in accidents.

Ask for help if you need it.

Be aware of other equipment.

Some key safety tips:

1. Have the right safety attitude. This means knowing and following our safety rules, doing what you can to prevent accidents, and treating safety as an important part of your job.
2. Practice safe work habits. Set a good example for your co-workers. Wear personal protective equipment when required, don’t remove safety guards or shields, and follow all safety instructions.
3. Come to work refreshed and ready to do your job. Too little sleep often results in accidents. Being upset over something that happened at home can also distract you and contribute to an accident.
4. Think before you act.Plan what you’ll be doing before you begin. Think about what could go wrong, how to avoid it, and how you’ll protect yourself against any unexpected hazards that may arise.
5. Keep your mind on your work. Don’t be thinking about what you’ll be doing tonight or about a co-worker who made you angry two days ago.

Poor safety attitudes:

Here are some examples of attitudes that can get you into trouble:

• “This job is simple.” That kind of attitude can easily result in not paying attention to what you’re doing.
• “I don’t have time to think about safety. I need to get this job done right now.” Hurrying results in carelessness, and carelessness leads to accidents.
• “I’ll do things my way.” This type of “know-it-all” or bullheaded attitude puts both you and your co-workers at risk for a serious accident.
• “I can figure this out myself.” No one has all of the answers. If you’re uncertain how to use a piece of equipment or have any other safety-related question, ask your supervisor for help.
• “Accidents will happen no matter what I do.” This just isn’t true.

More tips to prevent accidents:

• Keep your work area clean and free of clutter.
• Carefully inspect tools and equipment before you use them.
• Pay attention to warning signs and near misses. Next time, you might not be so lucky.
• Don’t bypass safety devices. If a guard or shield is removed for service, be sure to replace it.
• If you’re new to a job, get training. Carefully review the instructions you are given.
• Eat right, get enough sleep, and don’t let stress distract you from your job.
• Wear the appropriate clothing. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing or jewelry that can get caught in machinery. Wear sturdy shoes with nonslip soles.
• If you’re working alone, be sure someone knows where you are and when you will be back.
• Be on the constant lookout for hazards. Fix them or report them to your supervisor.
• Stay out of the way of equipment operated by others.

Safety Responsibility Do’s and Don’ts:

Do:

• Do wear the proper clothing, and wear PPE when required.
• Do keep your work area clean and free of hazards.
• Do ask for help if you need it.

Don't:

• Don't ignore unsafe work practices. Correct them or report them to a supervisor.
• Don't daydream on the job, engage in horseplay, or show off.
• Don't perform a job that’s beyond your physical limitations.

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For more information on safety regulations consider visiting the OSHA website.