This is a modified version of something we received from the folks at FHR (thanks KK)!
One of the most important parts of every task is to Maintain Your Focus! It is not easy to stay focused with all life’s distractions. Here are a few things you can do!
Leave personal issues at home. Allowing personal problems to creep into our work day can cause workers to lose focus! When you are at work FOCUS on WORK. In the car, FOCUS on Driving! Keep your mind on the task you are doing to avoid accidents and injuries.
Communicate with co-workers prior to performing the task. Make sure all affected employees understand the job task. Effective communication between supervisors and workers is a must! Supervisors should ask workers to explain the expectation to ensure everyone is on the same page. Miscommunications and assumptions can lead to accidents and injury, so when you are unsure ASK!
Review JSAs and Safe Work Permits! Make sure all job steps are identified and address each hazard appropriately. Knowing the hazards and taking actions to mitigate each is a great way to avoid a mishap. Remember to be on the lookout for unforeseen hazards and Speak up if a problem is noted!
Check the work area prior to the task! Taking time to walk through the area is just as important as reviewing the job steps and associated permits with the permit writer. Workers must be aware of any conditions that could pose a hazard while the task is performed. Verify the work area is safe; never assume all hazards have been addressed/removed!
Actively participate in the JSA and Safe Work Permit Process. Don’t just depend on other employees -- take an active role in YOUR Safety! Review the steps and know the expectations -- take ownership of the task. Each employee brings a different skill set to the table - share what you know!
Stick to the requirements of the JSA and/or Permit. Field deviations can lead to trouble. Double check the JSA as needed. If the procedure must be changed, Make Time for Safety: review any potential NEW hazard, communicate the changes and get a new permit issued when necessary. Each change can bring new hazards and increase the potential for an injury!
Stay healthy. Eat right, get plenty of sleep and drink only in moderation. If you are sick, don’t come to work. It is difficult to keep your mind focused on your job task if you are not feeling well. Are you taking medication that causes drowsiness - if so you should not be performing safety sensitive tasks.
ASK Questions and OFFER Input! If you are not sure about a particular aspect of your job task, or something just does not feel right, STOP. Contact your supervisor immediately and make sure you feel comfortable before proceeding. And, whenever you see a deficiency or an opportunity to make a positive difference - Speak up! Your input matters!
Keeping your focus is not only a good idea, it is a requirement if we want to get everyone home at the end of their shift! MAKE TIME FOR SAFETY -- it is a Shared Responsibility!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
MBWA - spend some time out of the office!
Note: We use Safe Work Permits for many tasks (Confined Space Entry, Energized Work, LO/TO, Critical Lifts, and other non-routine tasks) to reduce the potential for injury. But, even if you don't use permits, it pays to spend time in the field.
Think about it! - 'The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.' -Denis Waitley
Get out among the Team
These days it seems like there is more and more paperwork to do, more phone calls to return, and more emails to write or respond to -- that may never change. But don't forget about the importance of interacting with our employees and contractors. Please continue to have your managers and supervisors field verify Safe Work Permits. There are several good reasons for requiring managers and supervisory personnel to do this, once the task/project has begun. Here are just a few:
-It follows the MBWA (Management by Walking Around) Principle which, among other things, makes the management/supervisory team MORE VISIBLE! Workers (employees and contractors) see you out there and they generally improve their behavior (work habits and safety awareness) because they see the management is watching.
-It Creates Value...by giving the management team a chance to SEE and know what is really going on out there! This first hand knowledge is invaluable. Sometimes assumptions are made (the employee or contractor thinks he/she understands our expectations or we think they do) and that can lead to accidents and injury.
-It Facilitates Compliance. It confirms they get it, when they do. Or helps us identify gaps that need to be filled. In either case, we can use the feedback for continuous improvement.
-It Increases the Knowledge Base of the team, since it creates opportunities for communication with crew members. Effective two-way communication is a great way to discuss ideas (brain storm) for improvement or identify problems so they can be addressed.
-It Builds Trust. Open communications with employees in the field helps to foster trust and team building. Each employee has something to add are we giving them ample opportunity to do so?
-It Shows Respect and can lead to Employee Fulfillment. Employees appreciate it when the management/supervisory team takes an active role. They like to be recognized and appreciated for their talents…having managers see them in the field (in their element) is a form of non-verbal recognition. Taking time to talk to the crew members (asking them specific questions about the task, the equipment, etc.) is a way to demonstrate you recognize them as trained professionals.
-It fosters Individual Accountability and Entrepreneurial Spirit. Once employees perceive you care, they are more likely to take ownership, and accept responsibility for their actions.
So please continue to field verify the permits. Your efforts are much appreciated.
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. -Abraham Lincoln
Think about it! - 'The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.' -Denis Waitley
Get out among the Team
These days it seems like there is more and more paperwork to do, more phone calls to return, and more emails to write or respond to -- that may never change. But don't forget about the importance of interacting with our employees and contractors. Please continue to have your managers and supervisors field verify Safe Work Permits. There are several good reasons for requiring managers and supervisory personnel to do this, once the task/project has begun. Here are just a few:
-It follows the MBWA (Management by Walking Around) Principle which, among other things, makes the management/supervisory team MORE VISIBLE! Workers (employees and contractors) see you out there and they generally improve their behavior (work habits and safety awareness) because they see the management is watching.
-It Creates Value...by giving the management team a chance to SEE and know what is really going on out there! This first hand knowledge is invaluable. Sometimes assumptions are made (the employee or contractor thinks he/she understands our expectations or we think they do) and that can lead to accidents and injury.
-It Facilitates Compliance. It confirms they get it, when they do. Or helps us identify gaps that need to be filled. In either case, we can use the feedback for continuous improvement.
-It Increases the Knowledge Base of the team, since it creates opportunities for communication with crew members. Effective two-way communication is a great way to discuss ideas (brain storm) for improvement or identify problems so they can be addressed.
-It Builds Trust. Open communications with employees in the field helps to foster trust and team building. Each employee has something to add are we giving them ample opportunity to do so?
-It Shows Respect and can lead to Employee Fulfillment. Employees appreciate it when the management/supervisory team takes an active role. They like to be recognized and appreciated for their talents…having managers see them in the field (in their element) is a form of non-verbal recognition. Taking time to talk to the crew members (asking them specific questions about the task, the equipment, etc.) is a way to demonstrate you recognize them as trained professionals.
-It fosters Individual Accountability and Entrepreneurial Spirit. Once employees perceive you care, they are more likely to take ownership, and accept responsibility for their actions.
So please continue to field verify the permits. Your efforts are much appreciated.
That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. -Abraham Lincoln
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What do you really need?
I found this quote in the book Attitudes of Gratitude by M. J. Ryan (This is a great little book)
The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Joseph Addison
That sounds simple enough and to many of us it means a job; a spouse, significant other or pet; and hopes of retirement. Now isn't that why we should ALL be working safely!?
THINK ABOUT IT!!!
-Get injured, off the job, and you could lose your job (if you are unable to work for an extended period)
-Get injured, at work and you could lose a portion of your income (possibly for a long time) if the injuries are serious. And, you could face disciplinary actions too - if you did something stupid (like cut corners, took an unnecessary risk, chose not to wear the proper PPE)
-Get injured and your family (loved ones and/or pets) suffer in a whole host of ways -- reduced income means fewer options for the family (less toys, less entertainment, less fun, more disappointment). You laying around in a hospital or on the couch is a major downer for the family (it cramps their style). Often times, the injured person gets angry and blames those closest to him/her. That strains relationships!
-Get injured and you can see many of your hopes and dreams diminish.
A loader operator I used to work with fell out of his tree stand while deer hunting one year. He was off work for over a year. Doing what he loved (without tying off) cost him most of his savings, caused him to delay his retirement plans and damn near killed him.
So what CAN You Do to avoid injuries on and off the job? Here are a few tips:
-Get a good night's sleep and go to work each morning prepared to do the job. Show up ready to work!
-Develop a gameplan and follow it. Communicate the plan to all affected persons.
Co-workers need to communicate effectively. Assuming can lead to accidents and injuries.
-Conduct a Job Safety Analysis. It's true, the risk increases when performing non-routine tasks, But, complacency can lead to injury when we get too comfortable doing our routine tasks - So follow sound safety practices always and Avoid cutting corners!
-Check yourself and each other (you and your co-workers should function as a team). Have each other's back!
-Be prepared! Make sure that everyone has the proper tools, information and PPE. Is everybody wearing their PPE properly and does each team member understand the gameplan.
-Focus on the task you are doing when you are doing it - Be in the game, Mentally!
That goes for driving, too. Focus on driving when you are on the road (to work, home, or anywhere) - When you drive - Just Drive! YOU can't focus on driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. If you have to take the call - PULL OVER!
-Be aware of body positioning. It is important to lift and bend properly to avoid injury, but don't stop there. Be consciously aware of you surroundings and Stay out of the Line of Fire! Every year, people suffer serious injury or death because they got caught between, crushed by, or pulled into some machine or equipment.
Choose to Make time for Safety! Consider it a wise investment in your future! Life is for living fully and that means avoiding injury!
The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. -Joseph Addison
That sounds simple enough and to many of us it means a job; a spouse, significant other or pet; and hopes of retirement. Now isn't that why we should ALL be working safely!?
THINK ABOUT IT!!!
-Get injured, off the job, and you could lose your job (if you are unable to work for an extended period)
-Get injured, at work and you could lose a portion of your income (possibly for a long time) if the injuries are serious. And, you could face disciplinary actions too - if you did something stupid (like cut corners, took an unnecessary risk, chose not to wear the proper PPE)
-Get injured and your family (loved ones and/or pets) suffer in a whole host of ways -- reduced income means fewer options for the family (less toys, less entertainment, less fun, more disappointment). You laying around in a hospital or on the couch is a major downer for the family (it cramps their style). Often times, the injured person gets angry and blames those closest to him/her. That strains relationships!
-Get injured and you can see many of your hopes and dreams diminish.
A loader operator I used to work with fell out of his tree stand while deer hunting one year. He was off work for over a year. Doing what he loved (without tying off) cost him most of his savings, caused him to delay his retirement plans and damn near killed him.
So what CAN You Do to avoid injuries on and off the job? Here are a few tips:
-Get a good night's sleep and go to work each morning prepared to do the job. Show up ready to work!
-Develop a gameplan and follow it. Communicate the plan to all affected persons.
Co-workers need to communicate effectively. Assuming can lead to accidents and injuries.
-Conduct a Job Safety Analysis. It's true, the risk increases when performing non-routine tasks, But, complacency can lead to injury when we get too comfortable doing our routine tasks - So follow sound safety practices always and Avoid cutting corners!
-Check yourself and each other (you and your co-workers should function as a team). Have each other's back!
-Be prepared! Make sure that everyone has the proper tools, information and PPE. Is everybody wearing their PPE properly and does each team member understand the gameplan.
-Focus on the task you are doing when you are doing it - Be in the game, Mentally!
That goes for driving, too. Focus on driving when you are on the road (to work, home, or anywhere) - When you drive - Just Drive! YOU can't focus on driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. If you have to take the call - PULL OVER!
-Be aware of body positioning. It is important to lift and bend properly to avoid injury, but don't stop there. Be consciously aware of you surroundings and Stay out of the Line of Fire! Every year, people suffer serious injury or death because they got caught between, crushed by, or pulled into some machine or equipment.
Choose to Make time for Safety! Consider it a wise investment in your future! Life is for living fully and that means avoiding injury!
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