"Safety Comes First!" We often hear these words stated with verbal conviction; however, during our daily routines we take shortcuts. A “short cut” is a quick or easy way to do a job without following the safe work procedures required to prevent injury, in other words risky behavior. When performing routine tasks we continue to take these shortcuts because “nothing bad” has ever happened. We reason that we are making the job easier and saving time by skipping safe procedures (that we think only add more time to the job). Sooner or later though, the odds say we will get injured because of these shortcuts. A short cut can easily cause an accident that results in serious injury or death.
The following is a list of common short cuts that have
killed or injured workers:
*Using the
wrong tool for a job because you don’t want to take the time to go back to the
shop, truck, or climb down the ladder to get the correct tool
*Working
with a chemical before checking the label and MSDS for precautions and
instructions
*Passing on
your own short cuts (by example) to a new employee
*Not using
crosswalks when crossing a street
*Driving
without using the seatbelt
*Going
around a gate at a railroad crossing instead of waiting for it to open
*”Bunny
hopping” a ladder instead of climbing down and moving the ladder
*Covering a
hole in a floor or roof with a loose board instead of properly barricading and
covering the opening securely
*Attempting
to clear a jammed saw or other machinery without shutting off the power
source
*Working on
machinery, electrical circuits and equipment, hydraulic equipment or pneumatic
equipment without following proper lockout/tagout
procedures
*Working
without your respirator in an area that poses a respiratory hazard
*Working in
a high noise area without hearing protection
*Working in
an area with overhead hazards without a hard hat, i.e. demolition work,
trimming tree branches, or under others working above you on ladders,
platforms, lifts, or roofs.
*Using a
grinder, sander, power saw, nail gun, regular or hammer drill, hammering nails,
using chemicals, solvents, or other activities that pose an eye injury hazard
without using eye protection
*Performing
work that places your hands or feet at risk of injury without wearing gloves,
sturdy work boots or safety shoes
It is tempting to take a shortcut, especially if you are in
a hurry or if you don’t feel like making the effort to
do the job safely. You may be new on the job and not understand the hazards or
you may be an experienced worker who has used the shortcut before without
anyone getting injured. However, it is always worth taking the time and effort
to do the job correctly by using all the recommended safeguards.
Please remember, it is everyone's job to act safely and
watch out for the safety of others. If you see someone taking a shortcut, speak
up. The only way we will reduce painful injuries is by taking an active role in
the safety of others and ourselves. Accidental injuries caused by taking
shortcuts can cause major changes in your life or the lives of your loved ones.
A shortcut is an invitation to an injury.
“Touching these wires will kill
you instantly.
Anyone found doing so will be
prosecuted!”
Born 1903
– Died 1942
Looked up
the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down.
It was.
Every year there are more than 200,000 people in the
*Practice good housekeeping and keep aisles, stairs
and corridors free of trip hazards.
*Alert
others to slipping or tripping hazards by placing signs and/or barricades to
prevent access to the hazard.
*Clean up
spills promptly.
*Be careful of wet shoes on a dry floor. They can be
just as slippery as dry shoes on a wet floor.
*If you
must walk or work in a wet area, use extra caution and shorten your stride to
keep your center of balance. Walk with your feet pointed slightly outward,
which will create a more stable base for your footing.
*Be aware of your surroundings and watch your step. Trips commonly occur when your view is obstructed or you are distracted by someone or something.
*Make sure your work area is adequately lighted. Turn on lights before entering darkened areas.
*Use handrails when going up or down stairs.
*Use caution when carrying items up or down stairs. Use a tool belt, box or bucket to carry tools.
* Be sure materials you are carrying do not obstruct your vision.
*Slow down. Hurrying to get to or do a job is a common cause of slips, trips and falls.
*If you must work on a ladder positioned in front of a door, lock the door in the closed position, prop the door open or have a coworker guard the work area until the job is finished.
*Use caution when carrying items up or down ladders. Use a tool belt or hoist tools and materials by using a rope and bucket.
*Be aware of the threshold when you step out of an elevator. It may not be even with the floor. This is especially common with freight elevators.
*Secure throw rugs to the floor or use rugs with a
skid resistant backing.
*Wear slip resistant footwear that is appropriate for
your job.
*If you
notice hazardous conditions that could contribute to slips, trips and falls,
report them to your supervisor.
Have you ever noticed that as soon as you think you’ve come
up with a foolproof safety procedure someone invents a better fool?
Questions about environmental,
safety and health?
Contact us
by phone or email:
Dennis Mosser, Safety/Environmental
Manager - Ext. 3385
Anna Gillman, Environmental
Specialist - Ext 3314
Facilities
Flyer Fall 2002