An important way to help prevent accidents is to report any safety incidents that occur.  When accidents are reported, they can be investigated and the problems that caused them can be corrected.  But when incidents go unreported, things don’t get fixed, and the same situation could occur again. The bad news is that people sometimes fail to report incidents because: They don’t want to get...

People with a “can do” attitude almost always get the job done – regardless of the obstacles.  Unfortunately, many with that same “can do” attitude sometimes consider safety one of those obstacles.  This brings out the tragic, and actual, case of John, who no doubt “attacked” his work with a “can do” attitude.  Most of us know someone like John, and maybe we know the person all too well....

As a general rule we must all be aware of, understand and apply the following to be able to maintain safe work practice and demonstrate positive behaviour. Know your Emergency Response Plan and all instructions to seek emergency help. Always be aware of Surroundings and Field Conditions Observe all safety policies, regulations, safe work practices, and job instructions for your job or occupation. Correct...

It is not uncommon for flying objects to be the of cause eye injuries at the workplace.  In some workplace settings, such as construction and manufacturing, the occurrence of flying objects is more prevalent than with other settings.  Even so, flying objects pose a real threat to all workers and precautions must be taken particularly when working in high-risk areas.  Flying objects present...

When you get into your car, truck or van, do you buckle up?  If not, it may be because you’ve been led astray by common misinformation about seatbelts? Here are the answers to some of the questions that people most often ask about seat belts: What difference will a seat belt make in a serious crash?  It could spell the difference between life and death.  Your chances of surviving a...

At a department meeting, the Manager was addressing his concern regarding the blatant disregard of departmental policies and numerous on going safety-related infractions by many of its members.  The list was quite long and each item cumulated in what the Manager described as ignorance and/or apathy.  He concluded that eventually someone was going to be injured as a result of the prevailing...

Hand crushing injuries are common when rigging and handling equipment. “While operating the 15 Ton Galion Mobile Crane to remove and lower pipes from ‘F’ Decanter, Crane Operator tried to use his hand to prevent swinging pipe from hitting against cab of crane. This resulted in the pipe crushing the first joint of his right middle finger against the cab of the crane.” ADOPT DEFENSIVE BEHAVIOUR Do...

The human eye is provided with more protection than any other part of the body. However, its own protection is not enough. Workers can still get particles of dust, metal, wood, glass, concrete, plastic or other hard substance in their eyes. Chemicals, acids, sparks, hot oil, fire and steam are also eye hazards. But natural elements can also be harmful to our eyes. Our eyes are constantly attacked by...

Have you ever made a decision to break a safety rule? How long did it take for you to reach that decision? What did you gain by taking a chance? It only takes a moment to decide to break a safety rule, yet that one moment could change your life forever. Do you always work safely? Are you 100% committed to the safety of yourself, your co-workers, friends, and family? Are there times when your commitment...

One key to avoiding injuries from falls is learning to recognize and control slip and trip hazards.  Like many aspects of workplace safety, your attitude and awareness play a large part.  When traveling through the workplace, keep a sharp lookout for any obstacle that may lead to a slip or trip.  This includes open file drawers, potholes, extension cords, air hoses, tool boxes or other...

Caught-in hazards cause only minor injuries and are not a big concern to construction workers. True False A caught-in hazard can be described as: Not wearing a seatbelt while driving a forklift Being hit by a swinging load from a crane Anytime a worker can get any part of his body caught in or in between objects Working in a trench box Never walk inside the swing radius of a crane or excavator...

Safety is largely about actions. But it’s also about attitude. We can observe actions objectively.  But it’s harder to see into employees’ heads and hearts and examine their attitude toward workplace safety.  Every employee must be dead serious about safety—or they could end up dead.  As well as taking job safety seriously, a positive attitude is reflected by other...