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Showing posts with label Behavioral Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Behavioral Safety. Show all posts

Sunday, 5 January 2025

Safety Behaviour : Right Approach To Address Human Error/Failure

www.safetygoodwe.com

Chapter:Behavioral Safety 

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

BS : - Positive Safety Culture

BS :- Safe Plan of Action - S.T.O.P.

BS :- Are YOU a Safety Champion

BS :- Horseplay

BS :- NO SHORTCUT TO SAFETY


Everyone takes a shortcut at one time or another. You cross the street between\ intersections instead of using the crosswalk or jump a fence instead of using the gate. But in many cases, a shortcut can involve danger.

Most people like to get their job done by exerting the least amount of time and energy, and that leads us to continuously look for better ways for completing our work. Those “better ways” are often only shortcuts that do not provide the safe path for completing the task at hand.

When we successfully take a safety shortcut, we begin to believe that we can always substitute the quicker way, instead of following safe practices. Doing things the safe way starts to feel like “too much of a bother”.

If you have the habit of taking dangerous shortcuts, break it. At work, it can be deadly.  
Example - An iron worker who tried to cross an opening by swinging on reinforcing rods, slipped and fell 20 feet onto a concrete floor. 
If he had taken a few moments to walk around the opening, he’d still be tying the rods.

If you are told to go to a particular work area, your supervisor expects you to take the safe route, not the shorter, hazardous one. If there isn’t a safe way to get where you need to go, let your supervisor know. The supervisor will see to it that you are provided a safe means of access. It’s your responsibility to avoid dangerous shortcuts and to warn against anyone else you see taking them.

Even if the job will only take a few minutes, it isn’t worth risking your safety and health for those few minutes. 
  • Wear personal protection to safeguard your body parts. 
  • Use proper, well-maintained equipment. 
Don’t improvise to save time. Ladders, steps, and walkways are built to insure your safety, as well as your convenience. Use them. Don’t go from one elevation to another by climbing a column or sliding down a rope. The safest way isn’t always the shortest way, but it’s the surest way.


For example, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is not “cool”. As a result, we often don’t take the time to find and use the right tools / equipment or plan our work properly and consider the consequences.

What are the odds?

If your chances of having an automobile accident are 1 in 100 while attempting to cut across 4 lanes of traffic, instead of crossing at the traffic light –What will you do?

If your chances of falling off of the ladder while reaching over too far resulting in breaking your leg is 1 in 100 –Will you take two minutes to climb down and reposition the ladder?

If you are changing a broken light bulb and your chances of receiving a potential lethal shock are 1 in 100 –Will you ensure that the power is turned off to that circuit?

If your chances of being injured are 1 in 100 if you were to by-pass a machine guard or if you fail to do a proper LOTO –What will you do?

What are the odds? No one knows for sure. However, risking life or limb to save a few minutes of your time is certainly an unsure bet – one you will eventually lose!

SHORT-CUTS MAY CUT SHORT YOUR LIFE


BS :- Mind On Safety


Report It, Don't Ignore It

Anything you encounter on the worksite that gives you a feeling of “That’s not safe at all” must be reported immediately. Don’t just put your head down and keep walking, hoping that someone else will report it.

The same philosophy should also be used in respect to reporting near misses – a near miss could be the next accident.


Keep Your Mind On The Task

Anyone working must understand what a challenge it is to get the job done when working against the elements. Heat, wind and extreme cold are only a few of the conditions we face every year. It may be easier said than done to keep your mind on the job when its +42 degrees Celsius, but it’s very important to keep a clear mind and not forget the safe job procedures & personal protective equipment that should be used.

On a different note, we all have personal lives and personal issues to deal with that can easily affect our mindset. At times it can be difficult to not to think about these matters and let our minds wander when performing our daily jobs and responsibilities. If you are not focused on your task and how to do it safely you and your co-workers are at risk for an accident to occur. Thinking about the weekend, daydreaming, beeping cell phones or just not paying attention are other factors that could lead to an accident or fatality.

Always Look For Hidden Hazards

While you are onsite, working conditions are always changing, therefore so will the hazards. These could be unexpected hazards that you may not typically encounter, so be aware of the changes around you. These can include workers who don’t see you enter their hazardous work area, low overhead pipes that may cause a head injury, unmarked floor openings and poor housekeeping that could result in slips, trips and falls. Keep your eyes open and your mind on safety.

BS :- Safety Is Common Sense

www.safetygoodwe.com

Safety Is Common Sense

According to accident statistics, four of five serious injuries are the result of workers not being sensible on the job and taking unnecessary chances. Common sense on the job is irreplaceable. Most of us have worked around people that are accident prone. They aren’t jinxed; they aren’t very common sense smart. Today we want to talk about using common sense to avoid accidents in the workplace.


Common Sense “Smarts”

  • Always wear the proper personal protective equipment.
  • Don’t over exert yourself – get help with heavy tasks.
  • Don’t over extend yourself when on ladders – and risk losing your balance.
  • Always use the proper tool for the job.
  • Concentrate on your work.
  • Look for unsafe acts or unsafe working conditions – and then report them.
  • Watch out for others – remember you are part of a team.
Ask the following questions before you begin to work:
  • Are the conditions safe to do the work?
  • Are the methods we are going to use safe?
  • Does everyone know what to do?
  • Does everyone know how to do it?
  • Can I fall, get struck by, get caught between or under, or get electrocuted on this job?
By remembering and following common sense rules and by asking yourself about the conditions, methods, job site hazards and knowing what to do, you should be able to decrease your chances of being injured. Be “common sense smart” and prevent accidents, not cause them.

BS :- Instruction for Good Safety Habits

www.safetygoodwe.com

Instruction for Good Safety Habits


In most everything we do, we find a “trick” to make the process easier and faster. After we develop these tricks, they become work habits in our everyday activities. Developing everyday safety habits can keep you injury-free throughout the year. Here are 10 safety habits to live by: 

1. Set Your Own Standards : Don’t be influenced by others around you who are negative. If you fail to wear safety glasses because others don’t, remember the blindness you may suffer will be yours alone to live with.  

2. Operate Equipment Only if Qualified : Your supervisor may not realize you have never done the job before. You have the responsibility to let your supervisor know, so the necessary training can be provided.  

3. Respect Machinery : If you put something in a machine’s way, it will crush it, pinch it or cut it. Make sure all guards are in place. Never hurry beyond your ability to think and act safely. Remember to de-energize the power first, before placing your hands in a point of operation. 

4. Use Your Own Initiative for Safety Protection : You are in the best position to see problems when they arise. Ask for the personal protective equipment or additional guidance you need. 

5. Ask Questions : If you are uncertain, ask. Do not accept answers that contain, “I think, I assume, I guess.” Be sure.  

6. Use Care and Caution When Lifting : Most muscle and spinal injuries are from overstrain. Know your limits. Do not attempt to exceed them. The few minutes it takes to get help will prevent weeks of being off work and in pain.

7. Practice Good Housekeeping : Disorganized work areas are the breeding grounds for accidents. You may not be the only victim. Don’t be a cause.  

8. Wear Proper and Sensible Work Clothes : Wear sturdy and appropriate footwear. These should enclose the foot fully. Avoid loose clothing or dangling jewelry, and be sure that long hair is tied back and cannot become entangled in the machinery.  

9. Practice Good Personal Cleanliness : Avoid touching eyes, face and mouth with gloves or hands that are dirty. Wash well and use barrier creams when necessary. Most industrial rashes are the result of poor hygiene practices.  

10. Be a Positive Part of the Safety Team : Willingly accept and follow safety rules. Encourage others to do so. Your attitude can play a major role in the prevention of accidents and injuries. 

BS :- Safety Away From Work

Safety Away From Work

 
Safety at work is hopefully a matter of routine. Just as important as safety on the job, is safety at home. According to one study, you are actually safer at work than at home. For our discussion today, consider driving, home and play.


Driving
  • Don’t speed.
  • Drinking and driving don’t mix.
  • Maintain your vehicle in good mechanical condition.
  • Watch out for other drivers.
  • Allow for proper stopping distances.
  • Be courteous, especially if you’re in a company vehicle.
Home
  • Minimize electrical exposures.
  • Eliminate slipping and tripping hazards.
  • Don’t overextend on ladders.
  • Teach your family to identify hazards.
  • Know basic first aid and, if possible, CPR.
Play
  • Be careful not to overexert yourself.
  • Loosen up before you begin playing a sport.
  • Don’t try to keep up with the children (of all ages).
  • Know any safety rules associated with your forms of recreating (i.e., boating, hunting).
  • Teach your family how to play safely and then enforce the rules.
Our family and friends are very important to us. With a safe driving, living, working and playing environment, we can continue with our friends and family.

BS :- Employee Responsibility in Safety

www.safetygoodwe.com

Employee Responsibility in Safety



Employers and supervisors expect employees to be responsible. This starts with getting to work on time, working safely through the day and bringing concerns to their supervisor.

An effective Accident Prevention Program includes defined responsibilities for management, supervisors, and employees.


  • Management is responsible for the safety and health of all employees as well as providing a safe workplace.
  • Supervisors are responsible for providing a safe workplace as well as managing the operations issues.
  • Employees have responsibilities in safety too.
Employee responsibilities include:

  • Listen and learn from any training. Be an active participant in learning a job skill or safety issue.
  • Ask for assistance if training or instructions are not clear or you don’t feel comfortable performing the task.
  • Follow all safety rules, including safe procedures and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Report unsafe acts and near misses immediately. Especially if the unsafe act is ongoing. This will help keep the workplace safe for everyone.
  • Report all injuries to a supervisor immediately.
  • Address problems with the supervisor. Always try to give solutions to a problem. (You may understand more than the supervisor about the problem and how to fix it.)
  • Re-address un-resolved issues with your supervisor. The supervisor may have forgotten about those issues you brought up previously.
  • Be active in the safety of the workplace. Participate in safety committee meetings, safety meetings, and when trained in a safety issue.
The above mentioned are just a few areas where employees have responsibility. There are many others. Look for other areas to assist in safety and operations. Bring these ideas to a supervisor’s attention. This input is appreciated.

BS :- Safety Attitudes , Steps to develop & Poor Attitude

Safety Attitudes , Steps to develop & Poor Attitude

SAFETY ATTITUDE

It 
is difficult to define, but we recognize a good safety attitude and a poor safety 
attitude when we see it.The quality of one's safety attitude typically is described in terms of behavior. 


A person's actions reflect the attitude.

Behavior V/s Attitude: 

Behavior - What you do.
 
Attitude - What you think,feel or believe.

BBS strives to instill a safety - oriented attitude. A bad attitude may result in:-
  • Committing an unsafe act
  • Failing to do something you should or could have done to prevent an accident.

The worker who always wears prescribed personal protective equipment demonstrates good safety behavior and good safety attitude. One, who does not, demonstrates a poor safety attitude

STEPS TO DEVELOP SAFETY ATTITUDE
  • “Can we make this job safer?”
  • “How can someone be injured here?”
  • “Let's take a minute to make sure that we've got all of the safety equipment we need.”
  • “I wear these PPE’s all the time, just so that I don't forget.”
  • “This stuff is a pain to wear, but without it, there's no other protection.”
  • “Stop! Go get the right tool.”
  • “Before we quit, let's pick up all this scrap.”

Poor Attitude :
IT CAN’T HAPPEN TO ME 

“ It can’t happen to me”, may be you have said it yourself. If not said, most of us have at least thought it sometimes or the other. Usually we think it just before we do something that is little unsafe or may be quite a bit unsafe. We know the safe way to do it, but we take that chance. We are in effect saying , “ I know this could result in an accident, but it can’t happen to me”.


Why can’t it happen to you ? 
What makes you so special ? 
Why take chance in thefirst place ? 


Sooner or later the person who keeps saying “It can’t happen to me” will wind up saying “ If only I had………..”
  1. “ If only I had worn my safety glasses, I wouldn’t have lost my eye ”.
  2. “ If only I had walked instead of run, I wouldn’t have tripped and broken my leg ”
  3. “ If only I had taken my ring off, I wouldn’t have lost my finger on the machine ”.
The next time you find yourself saying, “ It can’t happen to me,” remember that
anything can happen to anybody, anytime, anywhere, if they act in an unsafe manner
or are exposed to an unsafe condition.

All of us should remember that, a person with an “ It can’t happen to me ” attitude is
dangerous. He may escape himself but, he may expose others around him to injury
from an unsafe act or condition. If you see someone acting in an unsafe manner , tell
him about it. If you see an unsafe condition, report it.


A DANGER FORESEEN, IS AN ACCIDENT PREVENTED.

BS :- Safety Always Culture and its importance

www.safetygoodwe.com

Safety Always Culture & Its Importance  

Our safety goal is  "Zero Lost Time Accidents" . We need 100% participation. But what is your responsibility to achieve this goal? Safety, of course…but what does that look like?


Work and play safely wherever you are and whatever you are doing. 

Safety goals are not about living your life in a bubble. They’re about performing tasks in a manner that minimizes possible negative outcomes (injury, illness, death). Climbing a ladder? Have a spotter; don’t lean out too far to your left or right. Running to the store quickly? Wear your seatbelt and slow down. Skydiving? Better make sure your parachute works! Get the idea?

Get training before performing unfamiliar tasks. 

ALWAYS ASK for training if you are going to use a piece of unfamiliar machinery, or work in an unfamiliar environment. Confirm that you have all of the PPE you need to perform the task safely. Would you try flying a plane without instruction? Or using a chainsaw for the first time without reading a manual or having someone show you? Some equipment, or environments have less than obvious hazards, which is why it is extremely important that you learn all you can before performing the task.

Watch out for each other. 

It turns out that common sense is a rare commodity. If you see a coworker performing an unsafe task, say something immediately. Not only for his / her safety, but for your and the company’s benefit as well. If someone is injured on the job, it affects all of us. For Safety’s Sake, Do Something!


Importance of Safety Culture

  1. There is visible leadership commitment at all levels of the organization.
  2. All employees throughout the organization exhibit a working knowledge of health and safety topics.
  3. There is a clear definition of the desired culture the organization wishes to achieve.
  4. There is a lack of competing priorities - safety comes in first every time! 
  5. There is visible evidence of a financial investment in health and safety.
  6. Opportunities for improvement are identified and resolved before a problem occurs.
  7. There is regular, facility-wide communication on health and safety topics.
  8. A fair and just discipline system is in place for all employees.
  9. There is meaningful involvement in health and safety from everyone in the organization.
  10. Managers spend an adequate amount of time out on the shop floor, where the people are.
  11. Participation rates are at an all-time high, indicating that employees are highly motivated and your marketing of health and safety initiatives is effective.
  12. Employees are actively engaged in health and safety initiatives, producing tangible results for your company.
  13. Your employees report high job satisfaction due to the company’s commitment to their health and well-being.
  14. Safety is the first item on the agenda of every meeting.
  15. Employees feel comfortable reporting safety issues to their supervisors.
  16. Regular, detailed audits of the company’s health and safety program are conducted by an external auditor.
  17. Rewards and recognition of good behaviors are regularly given and serve to motivate continued health and safety performance.
  18. Safety is a condition of employment.
  19. Managers and supervisors respond positively to safety issues that are raised.
  20. Safety is viewed as an investment, not a cost.
  21. A high standard exists for accurate and detailed reporting of injuries and illnesses -nothing is swept under the rug!
  22. There is a concrete definition of what success looks like for your health and safety program.
  23. The organization has the will power to make major changes when necessary.
  24. Safety issues are dealt with in a timely and efficient manner.
  25. All employees throughout the organization are empowered with the necessary resources and authority to find and fix problems as they see them.

BS :- Safety Culture & Characteristics of a Safety Culture

Safety Culture & Characteristics of a Safety Culture

Safety culture is a people based safety process. The safety culture of an organization is the product of individual and group values, attitudes perceptions, competencies and patterns of behavior that determine the commitment to, and the style and proficiency of an organizations health and safety management.

The organization's culture provides the framework for introducing safety education and safe practices. Organizational culture is not something that you can photograph or download from the Internet.


However, you can see traces of it, and you can feel it when you enter some workplaces. Here are some clues that you can use to identify your organization's "culture".

Safety Culture Assessment:
There are a few key ingredients to creating a successful safety culture within an organization. Commitments on a management level, employee level and personal level are all key elements of an effective safety culture.

Management Support for Safety 
Managers need to be seen to demonstrate their commitment through their actions and lead by example and when it comes to health and safety. Without an active commitment from management to achieve a safety culture, there will usually be lower levels of motivation or concern for health and safety throughout the organization. Management commitment can be indicated by the resources (time, people, money) and support allocated to health and safety management. If management is not sincerely committed to safety, employees will generally assume they are expected to put business interests first, and safety programs will be undermined.

Employee Support for Safety
Active employee participation and good communication between employees at all levels is key to developing a safety culture. In a positive safety culture, questions about health and safety should be part of everyday work conversations. This can include observations, feedback, open communication and accountability. It is important to build ownership and use the expertise and unique knowledge each employee has. In companies with a strong safety culture, you will find that both management and employees feel that their safety program and achievements are the result of a joint effort.

Personal Responsibility for Safety 
It is vital that every individual, regardless of their position or job, has a personal commitment and responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Safety is a value that needs to be held by everyone. Ask yourself:
  • What is my attitude towards safety?
  • What is my company's safety culture?
  • What prevents employees, supervisors, managers and company owners from achieving total safety in the workplace?
  • How can I improve our safety culture today?
Language/customs/rituals
Every organization has its own "language" Â \ terms that are part of what goes on within the nonprofit. These words and ideas also signify the way people are expected to behave in your workplace and with clients. "Customs" can be described as the routines for giving and obtaining service, and "rituals" describe the events that take place on a regular basis, such as an annual volunteer recognition event, a fundraiser or a board retreat. Is "safety" part of the language of your nonprofit? Or is safety considered something that is just the cleaning crew's, building engineer's or safety coordinator's job?

Being part of a team A \ group norms
Group norms describe the ways in which people are expected to work together in groups? What behaviors are OK, what is not OK, and what is completely taboo. Behavioral expectations are some of the key aspects of organizational culture. What types of behavior is expected in the realm of safety?

Values and beliefs
An organization's mission reflects the nonprofit's core values and beliefs. Treatment of clients, community outreach and the stewardship of resources all reflect these values and beliefs. Is safety part of your nonprofit's value structure? Are people rewarded in a tangible, visible way for promoting safety and working safely?

Rules of the game

These are the rules that are not written down, but must be understood if a person is to get along in the organization. These "rules" also indicate what is considered of value within the organization. Are good safety practices among the unwritten rules of your nonprofit?

Climate

"Climate" describes the feeling that is conveyed by the physical layout and the way in which members of the organization interact with each other, clients, donors and members of the public. How does the physical layout of your nonprofit make a statement about your commitment to safety? Are safety concerns evident in the interaction among employees and volunteers and in staff interaction with clients, donors and members of the public?

The Way Things Are Done  \ Patterns of Problem Solving

The ways people are "shown the ropes" of the organization including how problems are identified and solved within the organization illustrate patterns of problem solving. How are newcomers told about the nonprofit's commitment to safety? Are new employees briefed on safety procedures? Do they know that there are consequences for ignoring safety practices or engaging in unsafe behavior? Are the consequences enforced?

Safety culture is not enforceable, but an effective health and safety management program is. Improving workplace safety procedures, programs and systems can positively impact a company’s safety performance and safety culture. It is important to ensure safety manuals, on site documentation are always readily available to employees. Audits, inspections, policies, procedures, training, safety committees and incident reporting can be used to improve these tools and enhance your safety culture.



Introducing change within an organization can be challenging. Effective and lasting change generally comes about when the board and senior management not only commit to adopting safety as a top priority, but at the same time provides compelling evidence that change must be made now. Evidence is usually provided as the amount of money accidents are costing the nonprofit or as a threat of program reductions. 

Change comes about more quickly when the reward structure is changed to compensate those managers, departments, employees and volunteers whose behavior contributes to safety goals. Similarly, immediate and meaningful consequences need to be applied when careless behavior or negligence causes an accident or injury. 

Just as every organization has its own unique " culture," there is no specific set of standards for a safety culture. However, there are some observable characteristics that identify a safety culture.

Employees and volunteers observe and correct hazards

In a safety culture, employees and volunteers are able to observe and correct hazards. Once a hazard is identified, the correction is made and reported. This level of documentation facilitates an ongoing safety program within the nonprofit.

Correct personal protective equipment is worn
In a safety culture, employees and volunteers always "dress for success" by using the appropriate protective gear and equipment. Employees and volunteers know how to use the appropriate equipment to do the task, and how to keep tools and machinery well maintained.

The safety committee is respected

In a safety culture, there is an active safety committee. The committee meetings are scheduled on a regular basis and well-attended. The overall agenda of the committee is clear with goals and performance expectations presented on at least an annual basis. The committee offers regular training in basic safety methods, and also specialized in-service training to deal with safety issues specific to the nonprofit.

There is buy-in from bottom to top

In a safety culture, the process has been worked within organization over time. Because individual motivations are different, the process of infusing a safety culture needs to address an array of motivations. Management will want to see the safety culture reduce the cost of insurance, and employees and volunteers will want to feel safer and less prone to injuries. Employees and volunteers will want to feel valued for their contributions in terms of identifying and correcting hazards. In determining if you have a safety culture, it is important to have staff at various levels measure activities versus performance.




Checklist

Answer "Yes" or "No."
"Safety" is part of the language of the nonprofit.
Safety is part of your nonprofit's value structure.
Safety is considered something that is the cleaning crew's, building engineer's or safety coordinator's and everyone else's job.
People are rewarded in a tangible, visible way for promoting safety.
Safe practices are part of the unwritten rules of your nonprofit.
Safety concerns are evident in the interaction among staff and volunteers and in their interaction with clients, donors and members of the public.
New employees are briefed on safety procedures.
New employees know that there are consequences for ignoring safety practices or engaging in unsafe behavior.
Consequences for ignoring safety practices or engaging in unsafe behavior are enforced.

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