Safety Attitudes
Most of us had some type of safety training during childhood. We were taught to look both ways before crossing streets and not to play with matches. As adults, we are warned by others and by the media not to smoke in bed, not to stay out in the sun too long, and not to drive while under the influence of alcohol. And yet, common as these safety rules may be, how many of us can truthfully say that we have never turned a light on or off with wet hands, smoked in bed, gotten a sunburn, or driven home from a party after having a bit too much to drink?
Employees often neglect safety rules because they:
Are in a hurry.
Figure accidents always happen to others.
Are resentful of their supervisors.
Every time employees engage in unsafe acts, they are taking a gamble—betting that an accident will not occur. Is health, and possibly life itself, worth such a bet?
When employees are aware of safety rules and break them anyway, we say they have unsafe attitudes. Picture a technician who neglects to wear eye protection while working with harmful liquids that could splash the face. Think about a warehouse worker who knows that an object weighs too much to be lifted by one person, but nevertheless attempts to lift it without any help. These employees are demonstrating unsafe attitudes.
Safety officers may give excellent safety orientations, you may know all the safety rules, and you may be able to demonstrate the safe way to do a job. But knowing every safe rule ever written will not protect you if you fail to use that knowledge daily on the job. The habit of doing things the wrong way is difficult to break, but it can be done.
The next time you are about to break a safety rule, stop and think about what could happen to you, your co-workers, or your family. Imagine the pain, the inconvenience, and the lost time and money that could result. Then do the job correctly, the safe way. At first you will be slowed down, but soon you will start to notice safety becoming a habit—and it will turn out to be one of the best habits you have ever had, because it will decrease your chances of joining those who are disabled or killed in accidents each year.
Here are a few basic safety rules that should be practiced again and again until they become automatic:
Report all accidents to your supervisor, even though they may seem minor at the time. Studying the causes of accidents points out ways in which they can be avoided in the future.
Practice good housekeeping to prevent slips and falls—your own or anyone else’s. Clean up spills, and keep all areas—especially heavily traveled ones—free of clutter.
Know which types of fire extinguishers may be used safely on each class of fire. Use of the wrong type of extinguisher can cause serious injury. For example, you may receive a serious or fatal shock if you use water on an electrical fire.
Use good body mechanics when lifting and moving objects. Get help when you need it and let your legs rather than your back do most of the work.
Wear eye protection when needed: when there may be flying particles or when working with acids or harmful chemicals that might splash.
Make sure electrical equipment is in good condition before using it. Have defective tools, cords, or other equipment tagged for repair. Do not touch outlets, switches, or electrical equipment with wet hands.
Share your own safe attitude and habits with your co-workers. You’ll do this in a tactful way of course, but remembering that it’s important for their safety and your own.
No one can say when an unsafe condition or act will result in an accident, when an accident will result in injury, or when injury will cause permanent disability or even death. So we must all resolve to work safely and never take chances with the life or health of ourselves and our fellow workers.