Tailgate Safety Meeting Topics: Thinking – The First Safety Skill
You probably know that for years, safety experts have tried to implement programs to prevent worker injuries, and government has passed many regulations to help OSHA enforce workplace safety. But all of the laws, programs and rules in the world can’t keep you from injury– if you don’t think.
Statistics reveal that for every on-the-job accident caused by unsafe conditions, there are at least four that can be attributed to unsafe acts. That is 80%! Unsafe acts include both actions that are taken, as well as those you’ve failed to take to avoid risk exposures or accidents. Obviously what you do, or fail to do, can directly affect your personal safety.
Thinking is a personal action that no one else can do for you. Failure to fully think through a task before acting can be a hidden safety hazard that you may not realize you have stepped into until it is too late. So what are some of the reasons we fall into this trap of not thinking before we act?
Fatigue: Fatigue is a common cause of workplace accidents. If you are tired, you will not think clearly. You can avoid this problem by getting enough sleep (7-8 hours per night), eating properly, and keeping yourself fit. See our post on the importance of sleep here for more information.
Anger: We all get angry at times. However, if you get mad enough you may act in haste, and act unsafely. If you feel yourself getting angry – stop, count to 10 or take a deep breath, and then think about the situation before you do anything else.
Confusion: Always make sure you know what you are going to do and how you are going to do it before you start a task. If you don’t understand the instructions you have been given – ask. Don’t be afraid or too prideful, to ask questions. It could be a hazard if you don’t – and it may expose you or others to danger.
Daydreaming: Daydreaming or inattention on the job is dangerous and it could kill you. If this is happening to you, force yourself to focus and concentrate on the task at hand. Don’t allow your attention to drift and thoughts to wander.
Indifference: Indifference is just another word for ignorance and will lead to accidents. You need to care enough about yourself and others you are working with so that you learn what you need to know and do what you need to do to act safely. Don’t let yourself get in a rut. If you feel your job is becoming routine – think about ways to improve things.