Tool Box Talk: Safety is Everybody’s Responsibility

Consider this story:

A four-person committee was appointed; it consisted of Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, Nobody.

An important job came up and the committee agreed that Everybody should be asked to do it.

Everybody, however, was sure that Somebody would do it, and they all knew that Anybody could do it.

Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry because it was Everybody’s job, and Everybody thought Anybody could do it.

But Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t. So it ended that Everybody blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody.

When it comes to safety, everybody can do it, maybe somebody will do it, but it is our job to make sure it gets done and nobody gets hurt!

This responsibility starts with us practicing safe work habits:

Identify hazards before we begin. Consider the work area and the materials, tools, and equipment we need to use.
Wear assigned personal protective equipment. Inspect it before we put it on to make sure it’s in good working order.
Read all necessary explanatory information, such as instruction manuals, materials safety data sheets, etc.
Ask questions. Never start a job unless we’re sure we know what to do and how to do it safely!
Inspect tools and equipment before you use them to make sure they are in safe condition. Report any equipment that isn’t working properly.
Avoid distractions. Focus on what we’re doing and keep alert for problems while we work.
Watch out for co-workers. Be aware of where they are and what they are doing to avoid injuring them or being injured by them.
Follow all safety rules and procedures. Never take shortcuts!
Report hazards we can’t eliminate or control. Talk to our supervisor right away. Never ignore a potentially dangerous situation.
Clean up after ourselves when we’re finished working. Return every item to its proper place.

And a bonus quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

Thanks for the share, TO!

Heidi