Our instinct is to avoid pain and death. However, some of us behave in a manner that threatens our well-being. There are a few reasons why this happens. One is a lack of knowledge. What you do not know can hurt you! Secondly, attitude can lead to risky behavior. Now might be an excellent time to take a look in the mirror. What is your attitude toward safety?
When asked, some may say they are all for it. Yet others may complain about any safety measures. It’s all about attitude. Your attitude affects almost everything you do.
Have you ever noticed that successful people, or those who are happy in life, usually have a positive attitude? The same is valid for safety. Safety rules and procedures are written to protect you from harm. They are not intended to make your work life more difficult or uncomfortable. After all, safety equipment and training cost your employer additional upfront money.
You’ll be less likely to be hurt by cooperating in safety matters. There will be no conflict with your boss, who enforces safety rules to do his job. You should also feel more confident at work, knowing that you have a better chance of avoiding injury.
There is no such thing as perfection. Even the best of us can make mistakes. To be highly effective in our safety efforts, we all need to watch one another. You should not become angry or defensive if someone tells you that you are not working safely. They are simply looking out for your safety. Be thankful that someone willing to speak up noted your errors before anyone got hurt if you didn’t know you were doing something hazardous. If you forgot or got a little careless, be grateful that someone cares enough to get you back on track. If you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up, but do so diplomatically. Treat others just as you would like to be treated in the same situation.
Remember that attitude affects behavior. Positive attitudes lead to safe behavior. Having a negative attitude about safety only causes conflict, stress, and accidents.
A SINGLE SECOND
Author unknown
⎯ It takes a minute to write a safety rule.
⎯ It takes 30 minutes to hold a safety meeting.
⎯ It takes a week to plan a good safety program.
⎯ It takes a month to put that program into operation.
⎯ It takes a year to win a safety award.
⎯ It takes a lifetime to make a safe worker.
⎯ But it takes only a second to destroy it all – with one accident.
⎯ Take the time now to work safely and help your fellow employees be safe.
