Safety Attitudes and Accidents

A positive attitude toward safety will pay off in countless ways. It could even save your life.

Some Facts

• Most accidents occur not because employees aren't provided with adequate safety equipment or because something goes wrong with procedures, but because of mental lapses on the worker's part.

• Safety education increases safety awareness and promotes a positive attitude, which in turn reduces accidents.

• A good attitude towards safety is a habit you can easily learn.

It Really Happens

A supervisor at a Hayward lumber mill told one of his workers not to jump off the truck that he had been working on. The worker thought the short cut of jumping to get down was better than taking the time to step down. He broke his right heel and continues to suffer from this painful injury every time he walks.

Employer's Role

• Use safety meetings to review correct safety procedures and explain the proper use of safety equipment.

• Observe safety procedures during normal working conditions to show your commitment to getting jobs done safely.

• Recognize your crew for having a good safety record. Reward your employees if appropriate.

Worker's Role

• Don't play follow the leader when others ask you to take shortcuts. A good attitude means having the strength to do the right thing and means following proper safety procedures.

• Think of yourself as part of the team and help make it a winning one with a positive attitude towards safety.

• Take an interest in safety and protect yourself and the people you work with.

• A good attitude means taking the time to do a job right. Putting on the extra safety equipment may take a little longer, but it's worth it.

Discussing Safety Attitudes and Accidents

• Concentration at work is important. Are you focused on the task at hand when you're on the job?

• Do you manage your time so that you don't have to cut corners? How do you prioritize your tasks?

• Is it ever worth it to take an unnecessary risk? What would you do if knew your co-worker was taking chances that could affect your safety?