As we return from the Thanksgiving holiday, it is important that we are mentally and physically ready to return to work.
To help you stay focused on safety when you return, consider the following before starting work activities:
- Situational Awareness: Check workspaces and common areas for changes or potential hazards.
- Resource Availability: Ensure that resources needed for the job are available, including people, permits, tools, equipment, supplies, and protective gear.
- Hazard Identification: Proactively report hazards, near misses, and incidents no matter how small they seem. Encourage others to do the same and provide positive reinforcement when concerns are raised.
- Task-specific Vigilance: Review work control requirements before starting any task, especially those involving machinery, chemicals, or elevated work. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask questions. Participate in personnel protective equipment peer checks, be intentional to avoid complacency, and don’t take short cuts.
- Housekeeping: Be observant, as a refreshed perspective can highlight issues that were previously unnoticed. Things that may seem like minor hazards—misplaced items, spills, or obstructed walkways—can lead to incidents.
- Training: Check your access card. Be a good wingman and check your coworker’s card also to ensure that training is current.
Group Discussion
Identify a specific safety practice you plan to re-focus on and explain why it is important to you and your coworkers.