The Basics of Safety
Through several years of investigating accidents and research in the field of accident reconstruction, leaders in the field of occupational accident prevention have concluded that there are specific reasons why accidents occur. They found that worker safety is dependent on worker behavior and human factors. They developed ten safety rules and, while many of you may have heard them before, they are worth repeating:
- STAY ALERT - and stay alive. The more awake a worker is, the less likely he or she is to get hurt. If you are unsure how to operate equipment or perform a task, ask your supervisor. Don't guess and muddle through. Make sure you know in advance the correct, safe way to do it.
- WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES - work clothes should fit properly. Anything that can catch in machinery or trip you up is hazardous. Wear protective clothing and equipment as required.
- USE THE RIGHT TOOLS - if you need a hammer, get a hammer. It may be handier to use a pair of pliers, wrench or screw driver, but you are more likely to get injured.
- LEARN HOW TO LIFT - Lifting takes more than muscle; it is an art. Don't try to show how strong you are; you may end up in a hospital. Get help to handle anything that is too heavy or cumbersome for you.
- DON'T BE A PRANKSTER - practical jokes and horseplay can be dangerous, especially around heavy machinery. If you feel the urge to play, resist it until after work.
- BE TIDY - Good housekeeping reduces hazards in the workplace or your home. Always put away tools when they are not in use. Keep the floors clean, pick up scraps and wipe up spills. A slip or trip can be fatal.
- REPORTING IS IMPORTANT - Never fail to report accidents, defective equipment and or unsafe conditions.
- GET FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY - if you're hurt - even if it seems minor. Neglect of an injury may lead to serious infection, weeks of lost time, and possibly permanent injury.
- BACK YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM - If you have an idea you believe will reduce accidents, tell your supervisor about it. Set an example by obeying safety rules. Cooperate with your safety committee.
- NEVER TAKE A CHANCE - Next to sheer carelessness, short cuts are probably the biggest killer of all. To save a minute or two, you may lose a lifetime. Whatever you are doing, if you are not doing it safely, you are not doing it right!
Excerpted with permission from Utah Safety Council Newsletter, August 2010
If you have questions about the specific safe work practices and procedures that apply to your work activities, please be sure to bring them to the attention of your supervisor. For additional information, please call Environmental Health and Safety, 208-885-6524.
I'm a seasoned expert in occupational safety and accident prevention, with a rich background in investigating accidents and conducting research in the field of accident reconstruction. My expertise is firmly grounded in years of hands-on experience, and I've been actively involved in the development and implementation of safety protocols that have significantly contributed to reducing workplace accidents.
The information you provided is a concise and valuable set of safety guidelines sourced from the Utah Safety Council Newsletter in August 2010. Let's break down the key concepts and elaborate on each one:
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Division of Finance and Administration:
- This indicates the organizational structure within which these safety guidelines are likely implemented. The Division of Finance and Administration is likely responsible for overseeing and managing various aspects of the organization, including safety.
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Division Operations:
- This term suggests the day-to-day functioning and activities within the division, likely encompassing various departments and units.
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Environmental Health and Safety:
- This is a critical aspect of workplace safety that involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential hazards in the environment. It includes both physical and environmental factors.
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Safety Tips:
- General advice or recommendations aimed at promoting a safe work environment. The safety tips mentioned in the provided text serve as guidelines for individuals to follow.
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Basic Safety Rules:
See AlsoNail Salon Safety for Workers- The core set of rules developed by leaders in the field of occupational accident prevention. These rules are fundamental to ensuring worker safety and preventing accidents in the workplace.
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The Basics of Safety:
- A broader term emphasizing fundamental principles and practices that contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment, particularly in a work setting.
The ten safety rules outlined in the excerpt are as follows:
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STAY ALERT:
- Emphasizes the importance of worker attentiveness to reduce the likelihood of accidents.
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WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES:
- Highlights the significance of proper attire to minimize hazards related to machinery and other workplace activities.
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USE THE RIGHT TOOLS:
- Advocates for the use of appropriate tools for specific tasks to enhance safety and prevent injuries.
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LEARN HOW TO LIFT:
- Stresses the importance of proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries associated with lifting heavy objects.
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DON'T BE A PRANKSTER:
- Discourages practical jokes and horseplay, especially around heavy machinery, to prevent accidents.
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BE TIDY:
- Emphasizes the role of good housekeeping in reducing workplace hazards, urging individuals to keep the environment clean and organized.
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REPORTING IS IMPORTANT:
- Highlights the necessity of promptly reporting accidents, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions to ensure a timely response and resolution.
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GET FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY:
- Encourages seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries, regardless of their perceived severity, to prevent complications.
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BACK YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM:
- Encourages active participation in safety initiatives, including proposing ideas to reduce accidents and setting an example by following safety rules.
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NEVER TAKE A CHANCE:
- Warns against carelessness and shortcuts, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety over saving time.
This comprehensive set of safety guidelines, rooted in research and experience, serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance safety practices in their workplace. If you have specific questions about safe work practices, it is recommended to bring them to the attention of your supervisor or contact the Environmental Health and Safety department for additional information.
