What Can You Do to Prevent Accidents?
Have you ever wondered what you can do to prevent accidents? Maybe, like many people, you believe accidents are bound to happen and there’s not much you can do about them. Or, you may think that they only happen to the other person. Well, the truth is that accidents do happen to everyone and often can be prevented.
Here’s something to think about. Statistics show that in many cases an accident could have been prevented by the victim. And, in other cases, by a co-worker.
FIVE EXCELLENT SUGGESTIONS
- Make accident prevention a part of your daily routine: Plan safety in advance. Before beginning a job, be sure your tools are in good condition. Also, see that you have the required protective equipment.
- Report unsafe acts or conditions to your supervisor: If you see something that’s dangerous or someone working in an unsafe way, do something about it. If it’s an unsafe condition, correct it if you can. Otherwise, report it to someone who has the authority or ability to do so. If you see someone committing an unsafe act, warn that person in a friendly way.
- Avoid horseplay: Aren’t you always telling your kids to knock off fooling around before someone gets hurt? Well, horse- play is dangerous for kids of any age. On a construction job you can easily be injured if you’re not strictly business all of the time.
- Follow instructions: You’d follow instructions if you were dismantling a time bomb – and very carefully at that. Well, take the same attitude on the job. When we give you instructions, it’s only after we’ve considered the safest and best way to do it. Sometimes doing something just a little different from what you were told can get you or someone else in a lot of trouble.
- Practice good housekeeping. Nobody likes a slob. It’s upsetting to see someone with a messy work area. And it goes even further than that. A sloppy work area is not only hard on the eyes, but a breeding ground for accidents. Trash and materials strewn around can result in trips, falls, and fires.