30th April, 2018
Health and safety advice doesn't have to be confusing or complication. Mostly, health and safety is just common sense.
Sure, there are laws and regulations you need to comply with. But ultimately, it's about keeping you safe.
This is some of the shortest health and safety advice you will ever get.
Let's take a closer look at what each 3-word phrase really means for health and safety.
Health and safety shouldn't be an add-on, it should be part of everything you do, and considered as part of every decision.
Step 1 of your 5 steps to risk assessment, identify hazards. Keep spotting hazards.
A risk assessment isn't something you should file away and forget about. Assessing risk should be a continual process.
Mistakes happen, but if you learn from them and stop them happening again, you can prevent harm. Look at near miss reporting.
If you're not sure how to do something, or need help to do it safely, ask for help. Teamwork makes the dream work!
No accident is unavoidable. But failing to prepare is preparing to fail (it's true). Make sure you plan your work so it can be completed safely.
If you see something wrong, even if it's nothing to do with you, report it. You may just save a life.
PPE is your last line of defence should something go wrong. But it can't help you if you're not wearing it!
Beneath the rules, regulations and red tape, safety is really about common sense. Don't put yourself in danger.
No one is going to remember the entire contents of a 50-page legal document, but they will remember a clear and simple health and safety message.
Cutting a corner is the fastest way to have an accident.
It is estimated that around 80% of accidents can be attributed, at least in part to human error. Keep focused.
Don't just focus on negatives, like accident rates. Work towards a positive target, like number of hazards spotted, controls in place, or safety ideas.
Realistic and achievable goals are a great incentive and help keep your team motivated for safety.
Always start a new project or site with an induction. Highlight the most important safety rules and arrangements.
Daily, or at least weekly, toolbox talks help refresh knowledge in between longer, more formal training courses.
Check tools, materials and equipment for defects, failures to make sure it is safe to use.
Equipment might start safe, but it needs to be maintained to stay safe. What good is a guard that no longer closes, or a stop switch that doesn't work?
The one time you don't could be the last time you do.
Mistakes are complex and can happen for a number of reasons. Make sure you understand the risks and know the rules, and that knowledge is up to date.
Risks that cannot be eliminated should be controlled to an acceptable level.
A close shave today could be a fatality tomorrow. For every 90 near misses, an accident will occur.
The best way to control a risk to eliminate it entirely. Can you do the work a different way?
Instructions are there for a reason, to keep you safe. Follow them!
If in doubt, ask about. Don't make it up as you go allow, that's how accidents happen.
Slips and lapses can occur in highly trained procedures where the person does not need to concentrate on what they are doing. They usually occur during a familiar task.
Working in cold environments can slow your reactions and increase the risks of accidents and mistakes. Keep warm and take regular breaks.
Know what risks you are exposed to and minimise them.
Some health effects can take years to develop. Asbestos, vibration, noise etc. Recognise early warning signs.
Make sure you replace PPE when needed, and check that it fits and is compatible with other equipment you are using.
Planning ahead means you can look for ways to do the job safer, and without risk to health.
Paper will not save you. Good health and safety practices will.
Health and safety is the superhero of management. Fighting hazards to keep you alive and well!
If you don't work safely today, you might not get to go home tonight.
Your life is worth the extra time or resources you need to work safely.
Health and safety rules are not there to be broken, and neither is your neck.
Take a moment to think about safety, and keep safety at the front of your mind.
Unsafe acts put you and others in danger. They could cost you your job, or your life.
Talk about safety, share knowledge and ideas.
Listen, learn, collaborate. Put your thoughts forward, and help improve health and safety in your workplace.
You know that health and safety course you attended 10 years ago? Things have probably changed since then!
Put the health back in health in safety. Remember health risks, they might not be as immediate as safety risks, but they are just as important.
Regulations change, technology advances. Make sure you have the most up to date information.
Be aware of the hazards and risks around you while you are working.
Health and safety is more than a business requirement, you need it too.
Don't forget about your health. To get the most out of life, you need to stay healthy.
Maintain a healthy work-life balance, and protect yourself so you can perform at your best in all aspects of your life.
You only get one.
We are here to help you and your business put safety in everything.
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