50 Questions

MSHA and OSHA…who needs em? Over the years, both agencies have gotten a lot of criticism. Too tight with industry, too tough on industry; rules are too strict and rules are outdated or not strict enough. What if the agencies did not exist? Would workplaces be safer? Would management do things differently? Would labor do things differently? Would YOU do things differently? We all know there are people and companies that wouldn’t focus on safety if it were not for government oversight. So, maybe we do need MSHA and OSHA to help keep everyone in check.

People are still taking chances and cutting corners…Why is that? Workers today have more training and skills then ever before but the problem persists. Do you speak up when you see an unsafe condition or witness an unsafe or questionable act)? If not, you’re part of the problem.

ALERT: ‘MSHA (or OSHA) is here spread the word’. It is always good to give employees a heads up when government inspectors are on site, but it should be business as usual. Do we do things differently when MSHA (or OSHA) personnel are on site? If so, why? What does that say about us? You should be working safely no matter who’s minding the store since you have a vested interested in your own health and safety.

Safety must become a Value not simply a Priority. Priorities change every day. Often times when things go wrong safety is put on the back burner because we have to ‘git-r-done’ and that is when people get hurt. Stop the madness…Make Safety a constant!

What is the problem? Mining has seen significant reductions in fatalities and injuries over the years, but recently things have leveled out. Why? What will it take to get to zero? Getting to zero will take TEAMWORK. Commitment from management (and union leaders); dedication and enforcement from supervisors; ownership by hourly employees (and yes the occasional visit from your friendly inspector). Zero is achievable with the Team Approach!

Your brother’s keeper! MSHA and OSHA are not going anywhere anytime soon, but our workforce (people) is transient. Does worker safety suffer when a supervisor quits or moves to a different department? What if a manager, safety coordinator, or corporate director quits or retires? I hope not! We need to do the same thing every day…work safely and take care of each other, regardless of personnel changes. We all need to be our brother’s (and sister’s keeper). Let’s take care of each other out there, no matter what.

I am responsible for me! Nobody can make me commit an unsafe act without my permission. No excuses, no blaming anyone for my decisions…I am responsible for me…and I will accept that responsibility. I will stand up and speak out for safety whenever I need to do so…it is my right and my obligation to my family.