Common Sense Safety

When is the last time you thought (or said), “What were you thinking!?!”  Why is it necessary to have a “Stupid Motorist Law?”  Have you noticed that common sense is not so common?

Undoubtedly, you’ve seen it in the realm of safety as well.  Even among very intelligent people, common sense seems to fly right out the window at times!

  • A worker climbs 17’ up a ladder, turns around backward and reaches for an object several feet to one side, resulting in a fall to a concrete floor, a broken back and permanent disability.
  • Ice is repeatedly allowed to accumulate on steps outside an employee entrance, resulting in workers repeatedly incurring injuries due to falls.
  • A worker with known respiratory issues is assigned to work in confined space with materials known to have negative respiratory effects, resulting in a severe asthma attack and permanent damage.

88% of accidents are caused by unsafe acts and 10% are caused by unsafe conditions.  Thus, 98% of accidents are avoidable by simply applying a little common sense!  So, let’s identify some common sense measures that apply to safety.

General Safety Tips

  • Everyone is responsible for safety!  Workers and supervisors alike are responsible to make sure behaviors and conditions are safe.
  • All known hazards should be eliminated or reported immediately to a supervisor.
  • Stop and think!  If what you are doing creates a hazard, re-think it or eliminate the hazard some way.  (For example, move a ladder rather than reaching far to one side or the other.)
  • Lift properly, using your legs rather than your back.
  • Clean up after yourself!  Do not expect someone else to pick up after you.  A cluttered workspace is a hazardous workspace.
  • Work is not the place for horseplay!
  • As a worker, if you are asked to do something that is unsafe, express your concern to your supervisor.
  • Get help (human or automated) in moving objects that are heavy and/or awkward.

Tips for Office Settings

  • Prohibit workers from climbing or standing on chairs, desks, countertops or anything else that is meant for another purpose.
  • If you spill it, clean it up!
  • Keep all walkways free of trip hazards.
  • If entering from inclement weather, wipe the moisture off your shoes before walking on tile or other slick surfaces.  Also, pay particular attention to corners of rugs that may flip up, creating a trip hazard.
  • While working at your desk, remain in good, ergonomically correct posture.
  • Avoid carrying large items that block your view.  Use a cart, or ask for help.

Tips for Jobsites

    • Wear appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment.
    • Keep machine guards in place.
    • Inspect all equipment daily.
    • Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially if working outdoors.
    • Be aware of hazardous chemicals and use and store them appropriately.
    • Always use the right tool for the job.
    • Be alert and pay attention to everything that is going on around you.  (Particularly if you are on a jobsite with other subcontractors.)
    • Throw all garbage in the garbage can, not on the ground.

We often get “tripped up” on simple things, so don’t take simple things for granted!  If you are a supervisor, conduct safety meetings regularly to remind workers of general safety rules.  Train your workers to be on the lookout for unsafe conditions or behaviors of others, and reward them for eliminating or reporting hazards.  Remember, 98% of accidents are avoidable if every worker and every supervisor takes responsibility to keep actions and conditions safe.

Common sense does not have to be a lost art!  In fact, your safety IQ increases proportionately to the degree of common sense you apply.  Why not use “An Extra Effort for Safety’s Sake” at your next safety meeting?  (Also available in PowerPoint.)  In addition, CBR’s General Safety Rules procedure may be found on the Safety Procedures page of our website.

Contact us or request a proposal for more information!