“A Dangerous Time !”
Can you think of a time when you knowingly put yourself in a life-threatening situation? Most of us would say, “No way!” But it happens more than you might think. Here’s just one example from the headlines.
During a ten-day period at a beach resort, the red “No Swimming” flags were flying every day, and lifeguards warned swimmers but many ignored warnings. Some even argued, “We came here to swim and we’re going to swim!”
In this one incident, five swimmers were caught in the same rip current. Three of them made it to shore, but a 21 year old man and a 16 year old girl he tried to rescue both drowned. The newspaper account said, ”There have been five drowned this summer, four of them in the past week. More than 700 swimmers were pulled from the water between Aug. 1 and 10 while a storm system spun off the coast, churning surf and creating rip currents.”
Why do people ignore warnings and put themselves at risk? Maybe they get caught up in the moment. Maybe they simply forget. Maybe they think they’re just taking a shortcut. Whatever the reason, we as professionals know better. We know that safety is essential and demands our constant attention.
*Your brain is your best safety tool. Safety takes brainpower, practice and lots of common sense. The most dangerous time for us is just before we make a move. Don’t make hasty decisions that could put you and your coworkers at risk. Taking a moment to think first before you act is what it takes to stay safe on and off the job.
*Knowing the right way to do the job is the first step to safety. Warning flags, safety rules and common sense point the way to a safe, satisfying work life—heed them. These rules and guidelines are as much a part of your job as creating the products and services your company sells.
*Don’t take chances. Sometimes people take chances out of boredom or frustration and knowingly do something dangerous on or off the job. It just isn’t worth the risk. Think and stay aware on the job, so that all your actions are safe ones. One moment of inattentiveness can cause you to take a chance that results in a tragic, avoidable accident. Ask yourself this important question, “Is what I’m about to do safe?”
IS WHAT YOU’RE ABOUT TO DO SAFE?
*Copyright 2003 Harkins Safety
