SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

posted on 22 January 2012 | posted in Uncategorised

Most any accident in work can be prevented. There are certain recognizable factors behind all accidents. Policy makers consider these factors as they work to develop procedures to prevent accidents from occurring in the workplace. Conditions which lead to accidental mishaps include carelessness, sleeplessness, and equipment malfunction.
Carelessness must be replaced by conscientious behavior, with eyes and ears attuned to workplace surroundings. Slips, trips, and falls account for countless daily accidents. Good housekeeping will prevent many of them. The placing of strategic signs, like “Slippery Floors,” will alert potential trouble. Personal Protective equipment, such as helmets, gloves, masks, and eye gear are extremely important for preventing careless accidents also. In particular, PPE is essential to protect workers from falling objects, sharps, noxious fumes, and burns. Policies should be in place in every workplace to reinforce their consistent use.
Employees also need to be well rested to prevent careless accidents from occurring. The onset of drowsiness is insidious. It is well documented that drowsy thinking leads to memory lapses, as well as errors in judgment. An otherwise competent employee can succumb to making an error in judgment. In some cases, a sleep deprived individual unknowingly experiences short bouts of “micro sleep.” During such an episode, perilous mistakes may be made. Fatigue and sleeplessness have even been cited as an important human factor in the grounding of the Exxon Valdez Oil Tanker. It is evident that strong policies are needed in every workplace to ensure that employees are not expected to work excessively long hours.
Strong policies will also ensure that equipment used in the workplace will be regularly maintained and inspected. This is important for every type of equipment that is used by an employee. When an accident does occur as a result of malfunctioning equipment, it is important to investigate the cause and remedy it. The faulty equipment will need to be repaired, replaced, or abandoned.
The responsibility for an accident-free workplace is shared by the employer, employee, and those who make policies affecting the workplace. Safety in the workplace is no accident!