Every person determines their own fortune, and that fortune - good or bad - depends on the individual’s acceptance of personal responsibility.
At a young age, we are taught to assume responsibilities. “Look before you cross the road.” “Playing with matches is dangerous.” “Be home before dark.” Even today, as adults, we still learn and decide whether to accept certain obligations. Young or old, we make individual choices.
When responsibilities are shunned or rejected, someone must cope with the results. Police officers, judges, juvenile officers and social workers respond to most of these rejections in our society. In safety, doctors, nurses and funeral directors deal with the consequences of rejected responsibilities.
By accepting and practicing safety responsibility, you ensure your future both at home and on the job. You do the same for your fellow workers as well, because socially and morally you are responsible for preventing accidents to others as well.
If you see an unsafe act, do something about it – point it out so others are aware and can avoid future mistakes. Point out to other employees when safety is not being practiced. After all, it is their responsibility to prevent an accident to you as well.
Use good work habits – don’t be impulsive and remember that hurrying can hurt. Do your best to make sure the work is planned for. Take into account the materials needed, manpower available, timeframe allowed, etc. – in order to create a safe work plan.
Develop the attitude that “if I do something wrong, I’m taking the chance of getting hurt”. Then do the job the right way. Encourage your coworkers to develop the same attitude towards their work.
If you are a supervisor – help new employees learn that safety is the rule, not the exception. Teach them proper safety responsibility before you turn them loose.
Practice leaving personal problems and emotional stress away from the job. Remember that accidents do not just happen – they are caused. Correct little mistakes before they grow into permanent bad habits. Safety responsibility is up to you.