Be aware of your surroundings – Some of the most mundane situations can be hazardous when you are not taking that extra second to check your surroundings. You get in your truck and move it, only to run over something. You back up your vehicle without having a spotter, and hit something. These examples and many more can easily be avoided. A simple walk-around before moving any vehicle or equipment will find problem areas and allow you to correct them. While efficiency and multi-tasking are excellent qualities to possess and utilize, the pay-off is not worth the trouble when putting yourself and others in the line of injury. Even if you’re just repositioning your truck/equipment, take the few seconds to ensure hazards and/or people are not an issue. Those few seconds could keep you and others from lifelong injuries.
Wear personal protective equipment or PPE – Your job at XPAT requires PPE such as safety glasses, steel toed shoes, gloves to protect against sharp edges, heat, or germs. Do you keep your PPE handy and in proper working order? Improper use of PPE can be as bad as not wearing it. PPE is your last line of defense from the hazards it protects against. Scars, sickness, and missing fingers can be avoided more often than not.
Know the rules – Along with attending orientation and mandatory classes, pay attention, take notes and know where to get information. Knowing where to get information when necessary can save time, money and frustration. Whether it’s health, safety, security, or regulation knowing what to do, how to document, and how to communicate to the next person or shift could mean the difference of something as important as keeping someone from disease or injury. Ensure you know how to handle tasks, communication, and where to obtain further information when necessary.
Be prepared for work – Life comes at us fast. No matter what, do the best you can to get rest and keep your head in the game. Distractions and fatigue are our occupations sworn enemies. No one wants a sleepy surgeon and we shouldn’t have to concern ourselves with whether or not the car we are interested in buying was built on a Monday or a Friday. Take a few minutes at the start of your work day or any project/task and breathe. Focus on getting through your duties as safely and successfully as possible. You will want to stay healthy to deal with the rest of what life offers.
Report unsafe conditions – When something is wrong, say something. It seems like we never have enough time. The time it takes to report issues, whatever amount of time that may be, could save the time it takes to clean up a spill, fix equipment, and of course heal from accident and/or injury. Be aware of possible process improvement. When you are reporting an issue and you have a suggestion how to resolve the issue short or long term, offer your suggestion. If you see a co-worker performing in an unsafe manner, let them know. They may not realize something is missing or there is a safe way to perform a task. Sharing ideas is a positive act and any responsible manager, management team, or team member will appreciate the fact that you are concerned and observant.
Conclusion:
Only you can reduce injuries and incidents by always being aware of your surroundings.
Questions:
- It is XPAT policy to do what BEFORE moving any vehicle or equipment?
- Why should I report unsafe conditions?