In reality, our work environment includes numerous hazards and our workdays are full of situations that require us to make choices – whether consciously or subconsciously. I want to believe that none of us compromises on safety, but sometimes our choices increase the chance and likelihood of injury.
External stimuli such as alarms, a co-worker’s question while you’re working, or something unexpected you see may disturb your concentration and distract you from your work. This happens daily and is quite normal. The action we take in such situations and the impact of external conditions can lead to two outcomes: “Oops, that was close” or, in the worst case, an injury.
Our goal is to make our work environment as safe as possible
Unfortunately, this does not guarantee the elimination of all hazards. We need other measures to manage the remaining risks. Safety standards, such as the permit to work procedure and the lockout/tagout procedure, help us identify risks, as well as prepare for and avoid them. We also need expertise to safely perform our work and must remember to always focus on the task at hand.
If we understand how the choices we make while working affect the result, we are close to the desired outcome in terms of safety.
We must regularly stop to consider the safest way to perform our work. Observing, reporting and instructing others take up time. However, this should serve as an encouragement, demonstrating that safety is important to us and that we work hard to achieve it.
Working safely is a goal for all of us
Identifying hazards and consciously observing close calls are the first steps towards an accident free work environment. A sense of safety alone is not enough. We must put in effort to reach our goal. We build safety through sustainable choices, and it is only natural that this is one our 2030 sustainability objectives.
We still have a lot to learn about promoting safety. Our goal of zero accidents is a challenge, the achievement of which requires the commitment of every employee. Everyone wants to go home healthy after the workday.