Beginning and Ending with Safety
The goal of safety is to begin the day, and end the day safely. Safety must be your first thought as you drive to the job, and your last thought as you leave the job.
To think safety, first, last, and in-between ask yourself:
- What is my best, safest route to the job-site? Is the vehicle properly maintained and safe to drive?
- Do I have all the equipment I will need to do the job safely?
- What methods will be used at the job-site today to complete the work? What will be required to do the job safely?
- What PPE will be necessary to accomplish the job safely?
- What tools are necessary to complete the work? Is everyone using the tools properly trained?
- Do any tools or equipment require special training or certification?
- Inspect the necessary tools for defects.
- Inspect the job-site. Look for any changes or hazards which you may be unaware of.
- Make sure all personnel understand what the days work will encompass. Do your JSA’s.
- Practice good housekeeping. Keep the job-site clean and eliminate any possible hazards as they arise.
- Stay alert throughout the job. Be aware at all times of what is happening around you, and around your co-workers.
- Upon completion of the day’s job, be sure to properly clean and store all tools and equipment in a dry, secure place for future use.
- Make sure any barricades or guards required are in place before leaving the job-site.
- Will I need any special tools or equipment to accomplish the work safely tomorrow?
- What is my best, and safest route home?
Conclusion:
Think safety first, last, and every moment in-between. Planning and attention to detail pays off in a safer, more efficient job. Incidents are usually a result of lack of attention or lack of planning, and are preventable almost 100% of the time.
Questions:
- What’s the first thing you should do as you enter your vehicle to go to work?
- What’s the most dangerous part of your day?