I’m Talking To You – 1/23/23

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Mgmt Platform

I’m Talking to You

Over the years I’ve done some stupid things when it comes to workplace safety.

Like standing on “This Is Not a Step” or better yet a chair, make that a folding chair, to get to something just out of reach.

I’ve bypassed a safety switch when I felt it slowed my work down or when it wasn’t working right.

Then there was that oil leak that left a puddle right in the middle of an aisle that I figured I could clean up later because everyone could see it.

How about that guard that I tied back with some wire because it kept getting in the way when I was using the circular saw to cut some small pieces of wood?

That brings me to that 8’ deep trench that we had dug to do a small repair on a water line that I decided to jump down in (when I was young) without a ladder or any protection from a cave in, because it would only take a minute to fix. Did I mention that it had rained for the past few days, and we were just coming out of winter?

And then there’s that electrical panel box that I left the front cover off for the day because I was installing some new outlets in the shop, and everyone knew I was doing it and they should stay away from the panel. Including Jack who was cutting some 8’ pipe on a band saw about 5’ away from the box.

Yes, I’ve done some stupid things over the years, short cutting safety because it was inconvenient, it would take too long, I didn’t have the right equipment, or just because.

And in most cases I finished my task without incident, except for when that folding chair folded up with me on it.  That left a mark or two.

My gut feeling is that as you have read through this list of questionable choices, you were nodding your head and thinking, “I’ve done that.”

Because yes, I was talking to you and every other person who is reading or hearing this Safety E-QuickTip.

Sad to say we’ve all done it and there’s a good chance we will short cut safety in the future. Maybe even as soon as when we’re running a little late tomorrow and that light just turned yellow, right?

This is why we, and now I’m talking about all of us, need to be reminded on a regular basis how important safety is, so that the next time we’re thinking about short cutting safety, we’ll make the right decision.

So, here’s your reminder for the week.  Please work safe, and yes, I’m talking to You!

Employee QuickTip

Listen to one another and watch out for one another because it can be dangerous out there.

Employer/Management QuickTip

Take a minute each day to remind your employees that their safety is important to you.

Have you received your first Safety E-QuickTip or just want to look at past issues? Check out our Safety E-QuickTips Archive Page .

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Thanks for Reading and Please – “Have a Safe and Happy New Year”.