Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Changing the Safety Culture - It begins with YOU!

If you want to change the culture you have to start with yourself and a firm commitment to Safety.  Safety must be a personal value.  We must first hold ourselves accountable and then each other.  We will never get there without commitment and accountability.

Here are ten things you can do to help change the culture.
Make Safety Personal - Start every meeting with a Safety Share - take a couple minutes to set the focus . Explain to them how important working safe is to you and your crew members. Stop at-risk behavior immediately, but do it constructively -- educate the offender
Be a Positive Part of the Safety Team - Willingly accept and follow safety policies and procedures, and encourage others to do so. Your attitude toward safety can play a major role in the prevention of accidents and injuries.
Know the Policies and/or Procedures - and follow them! Policies and procedures are written to reduce the potential for incidents and injury. If you have questions, ask your supervisor to clarify any gray areas.  Then, make sure crew members understand and follow these company policy and procedures.
Understand the Risk associated with the Task - Follow the written Job Safety Analysis but don't be afraid to challenge a JSA if something is missing. Be sure you understand the risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.  Confused - STOP, THINK and ASK!
Make Sure You can Perform the Task Safely - Supervisors are human and they may make bad assumptions. You are responsible to notify your supervisor of your capabilities. If you are not capable of performing a task safely (because you lack the training, experience or tools) tell your supervisor.
Know the Process Hazards – Review and understand the process, before signing on to a Safe Work permit. The overview must take place on the job site in order to make sure all process conditions are stable, and the area is safe to perform the work prior to performing the task.
Get Comfortable With the Job - If you are unsure of something ask questions before proceeding. Avoid making assumptions and don't accept vague answers. You and your crew members must feel confident before proceeding.
Follow Proper Lifting Techniques - Most muscle and spinal injuries are from strains and spraing. Lift with your legs not your back. Use the ‘50lb or less’ rule when sizing up a job before lifting. Keep the object close to your body and check your path prior to picking the object up.
Alway Practice Good Housekeeping- Too many injuries due to slips, trips, and falls. Maintain safe access/egress by controlling clutter.  A stray tool or cord on the ground can cause a person to slip, trip or fall.
GIve Machinery the Respect it Deserves - Stay out of the line of fire, and pay close attention to all moving machinery and equipment. Get in the way of a machine and it could be over.  Machines pinch, crush, shred, cut and move whatever comes in their path. Ensure pull cords and guards are maintained in good condition and always follow LOTO procedures prior to working on machinery or equipment. 
Safety Always!

No comments: