Toolbox Talk: Safety Attitude

“SAFETY ATTITUDE”

Safety is largely about actions. But it’s also about attitude. We can observe actions objectively.

But it’s harder to see into employees’ heads and hearts and examine their attitude toward workplace safety.

Every employee must be dead serious about safety—or they could end up dead.

As well as taking job safety seriously, a positive attitude is reflected by other factors, such as:

• Being willing to learn about safety and health issues

• Complying with all safety regulations, rules, and procedures

• Taking personal responsibility for safety

• Focusing on and paying attention to tasks

• Keeping alert to and reporting hazards

• Participating in training and safety improvement

• Using required PPE routinely

• Being concerned about and taking action to protect co-workers’ safety

• Avoiding risky behaviour

• Reporting accidents, near misses, and hazardous conditions

• Asking questions to learn more about safety and avoid mistakes that can lead to accidents

All of these attitudinal elements add up to a good, safe worker.

Lack of too many of them, and you could be looking at an accident waiting to happen.

Eventually, a poor safety attitude will reveal itself in unsafe acts— especially when nobody’s looking.

Let Us Check Our Safety Attitude

• I always take safety seriously and make it a priority.

Agree Disagree

• I believe a positive safety attitude helps prevent accidents.

Agree Disagree

• I recognize workplace safety as a legal and company requirement.

Agree Disagree

• I always make full use of safety procedures, equipment, and information.

Agree Disagree

• I avoid becoming complacent about tasks even if I’ve done them many times before.

Agree Disagree

• I always give my full attention to my work and avoid distractions.

Agree Disagree

• I never let emotions get in the way of my work.

Agree Disagree

• I try to get enough rest before coming to work so that I am not tired on the job.

Agree Disagree

• I never take risks, fool around, or act recklessly on the job.

Agree Disagree

• I always take safety training seriously, pay attention, and use what I learn on the job.

Agree Disagree

• I always follow safety rules and procedures.

Agree Disagree

• I make sure I understand and follow all steps involved in each job I perform every day.

Agree Disagree

• I encourage co-workers to work safely and follow safety rules.

Agree Disagree

• I always correct or report any hazardous conditions I see anywhere in the workplace.

Agree Disagree

• I know what to do in an emergency, including my evacuation route and emergency assignment (if any).

Agree Disagree

• I always ask questions about hazards or procedures I don’t understand.

Agree Disagree

• I volunteer for safety teams, committees, and other safety improvement efforts.

Agree Disagree

• I look for and suggest safety improvements.

Agree Disagree

• I always cooperate during safety inspections and audits.

Agree Disagree

• I always try to set a good safety example.

Agree Disagree

What’s the Score

There are 20 statements in this survey. Give 5 points for each “agree” and 0 points for each “disagree.”

• A score of 80-100 indicates a good to excellent safety attitude.

• A score of 55-75 indicates a safety attitude in need of improvement.

• A score of 50 or below means a poor safety attitude and a serious risk of an accident on the job.

Thanks, TO