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Safety. It's a subject you've heard about since you were a child. You know
there's a risky way of doing things and a right way.
But how much of the safety message have you really taken to heart? How often do
you think about safety when you're at work…at home…at play? If you're like most
people, probably not enough. We all tend to think that accidents only happen to
other people - not to us.
Be safe, not sorry
Unfortunately, accidents do happen. All it takes is a moment's inattention - one
bad decision - and your life may be changed forever. When it comes to safety,
little things make a big difference.
Ideally, safety is something that you should think about all the time, not just
now and then. It's in your own best interest to make good safety habits an
integral part of your daily routine. When you really put your mind to it, safety
is as easy as A-B-C!
A is for Attitude
When it comes to safety, attitude isn't everything, but it comes pretty close.
Attitude represents your frame of mind – the way you approach any situation.
A safe attitude means:
| • | thinking of yourself as part of a team
– safety is everyone's responsibility
| | • | staying alert and focused on the job at
hand. Concentration is the key – if you're tired, bored or distracted,
you're much more accident-prone.
| | • | taking safety guidelines and practices
seriously
| | • | never fooling around or taking chances
with safety
| | • | knowing the risks. It's impossible to
avoid all risks but you can be smart about your decisions. Don't take
chances with your safety.
| | • | never letting emotions, like anger or
frustration, get in the way of job performance
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B is for Behaviour
Your reaction to a situation is a very important part of the safety equation.
Safe behaviour means:
| • | following established safety
guidelines and procedures
| | • | refusing to take "short-cuts." Take
those extra few minutes to do the job the safe way.
| | • | asking questions and gathering
information about the task or activity you're expected to perform
| | • | asking for assistance to carry out any
tasks that are too complex or too physically demanding to be carried out by
one person
| | • | using protective equipment, where
appropriate
| | • | helping colleagues, friends and family
understand the importance of safe practices
| | • | being prepared for emergencies
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C is for Control
If you care about your safety and the safety of others, take responsibility for
making your workplace, home or recreational facility a safe place to be – even
when it isn't "your job."
Control means:
| • | keeping your surroundings clean,
orderly and free from hazards
| | • | cleaning up spills and debris or
reporting them to the appropriate person
| | • | making sure that all walking areas or
pathways are free from obstacles
| | • | keeping all machines and tools in good
repair
| | • | storing chemicals properly
| | • | reporting faulty equipment, ventilation
problems or potential hazards to the appropriate person
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