Safety Awareness
Date Posted: 08/28/2016
Safety Awareness is like almost everything else we do, learned and not instinctive. We aren't born with awareness for safety concerns. . . in fact anyone who has a young child or grandchild knows this as they see them going around doing unsafe things constantly. People learn through various means. Some learn by doing, others by watching, and some by reading. Others learn by their mistakes or the mistakes of others which is one reason we post and talk about near misses and the accidents that we've had.
Safe Behaviors
Before you begin a job, you consider how to do it safely.
You make sure you know how and when to use personal protective equipment.
As you work, you check your position to reduce strain on your body.
You ensure other workers and those in the area are not exposed to hazards.
While you are working, you become aware of any changes in the area.
You talk with others about safety. Safety is a way of life and should be thought about so often that it becomes second nature. Recognizing hazards is an important part of keeping you and your co-workers safe
Making Hazard Recognition Second Nature
Review safety procedures for your job and work area on a daily basis.
Understand how unsafe acts can lead to accidents.
Participate in safety training every opportunity you get.
Use your safety knowledge in all aspects of your job.
Help instruct new workers in identifying potential hazards.
Identify Unsafe Acts
Be aware of your surroundings.
Many hazards are obvious to those who open their eyes and minds to see them.
Correct Potential Hazards
Hazard recognition is valuable only when corrective action is taken.
Report all potential hazards to your supervisor.
Work with your supervisor to make sure the hazard is corrected and communicate with co-workers so they don’t cause any potential hazards.
Be the safety coordinator for your work area and stress the importance of safety to your co-workers.
If you are not sure what to do, ask!
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
Before you begin a job, do you consider how to do it safely?
What can you do to improve your safety awareness?
