"Safety Shares are free –  and should be communicated often."  Safety moments for this week originated at a client safety forum in October where the topic was "The Human Aspects of Safety".  Earlier this week, four categories of human factors were discussed – personal, task-related, organizational and external.  
 
90% of all accidents involve some form of "human element"! In RECON´s Behavior Based Safety program, ALL employees are committed to working safely and, therefore, are aimed at eliminating "at–risk" conditions and behaviors ("human element") that could contribute to these accidents.  Accordingly, we can ALL make a difference today by actively identifying risks.  Think about the potential consequences. Then "SHARE" –  YOU could be the difference in someone getting home safely tonight!

RECON does everything they can to protect you on the job: post safety signs, erect guards and barricades, issue protective equipment, JSAP´s, JSA, Safety Policies & Procedures, training, and make work areas as safe as possible. But off-the- job safety is up to you and do you take it home?

YOUR SAFETY OFF THE JOB, IS IMPORTANT TO US
It's not easy to replace good employees - even temporarily. So, when you get hurt, we suffer, too, beside that we hate to see anyone injured on the job or off.

DRIVING SAFELY IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP FROM GETTING HURT
I know you've heard all the rules and regulations before. And I won't repeat them. The easiest way to keep from getting hurt is to drive defensively at all times. If another driver tries to cut you off, don't argue. Learn to protect your life instead of your ego.

TAKE YOUR SAFETY PRACTICES HOME WITH YOU
You wouldn't think of working without eye protection where it's required on the job. So why go without it in your workshop or weed eating the grass? You wouldn't use damaged or worn tools at work, so why use a mushroomed headed chisel or a taped up hammer at home? Getting hurt at home has the same effect on the company and your family as it would if it happened at work.
 
DON'T OVERLOOK SAFETY DURING RECREATION EITHER
Did you ever notice how many injuries happen when people are skiing, playing tennis or relaxing with a little backyard baseball? Don't overdo it when it comes to recreation. Don't try to keep up with the kids when you're no longer one yourself. Remember the longer we live the longer it takes for our bodies to heal. Even though our mind tells us we can this is not always the case.

With RECON growing at a fast rate and new employees joining our team weekly, we all have an obligation to welcome and teach them the RECON way.

So you´re the new employee on the job – or maybe you have been doing this type of work for some time and new to RECON? Either way we all have a responsibility to learn how to do your new job safely. Your supervisor/HSO should take the time necessary to explain the safety requirements for the work you will be performing along with other task performed on site.
Recon refers to these new employees as SSE´s (Short Service Employees).

Here are few things to think about:

First Aid & Emergency – Where is the first aid station located? Who is certified to provide first aid? Where are emergency phone numbers posted on site? What are the site emergency sirens, signals or notifications? Do I know my rally points and emergency procedures?

Housekeeping & Sanitation – Where is the waste disposal area? Are there any materials which must be disposed of in a special manner? What are the procedures for daily cleanup? Where is drinking water located?

Personal Protective Equipment – Are hard hats required at this work site? Are soft soled shoes prohibited? Check eye and ear protection requirements! What other kinds of Personal Protective Equipment are required?

Hand & Power Tools – Are you qualified to use the tools? Is it the right tool for the job? Are all required guards & handles in place? Are your tools properly inspected & grounded?

Ladders – Is the ladder the right one for the job? Is it in good condition? Be sure the ladder is properly set up and secured. Always check a ladder prior to using it.

Hazcom – Are you working with chemicals? Do you understand all of the precautions which must be taken? Where are Material Safety Data Sheets, and do I know how to read them?

As a new  –  or seasoned  –  employee there are many safety topics that you need to think about. Some others that may be of particular importance on your job are: working around cranes and heavy equipment, excavations and trenching, motor vehicles, fall protection, and electricity.

As the new guy on the block there is a lot of information that you need to comprehend. If you have a question  –  ASK!

1. STAY ALERT - and stay alive. The more awake a worker is, the less likely he or she is to get hurt. Make sure you know in advance the correct, safe way to do a task.

2. USE THE RIGHT TOOLS - if you need a hammer, get a hammer. It may be handier to use a pair of pliers, wrench, screw driver or even your fist. But you will have only yourself to blame if you break your fingers.

3. DON'T BE A PRANKSTER - practical jokes and horseplay can be dangerous around machinery. If you feel the urge to play, resist it until after work.

4. BE TIDY - Good housekeeping reduces hazards in the workplace or your home. Always put away tools when they are not in use. Keep work area clean.

5. REPORTING IS IMPORTANT - Never fail to report accidents, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions.

6. REPORT INCIDENTS IMMEDIATELY - if you're hurt -- even if it is just a scratch. Neglect of the injury may lead to serious infection, weeks of lost time, even permanent injury.

7. NEVER TAKE A CHANCE - Next to sheer carelessness, the short cut is 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!!