Each time someone is injured, we need to ask ourselves “how did it happen?” Accidents just don’t happen, they are caused. Accidents are usually a result of someone not paying attention or knowing how to recognize a job (or home or automobile) safety hazard. Jobs with effective safety attitudes have about a fifth as many injuries compared to those without the safety attitude. Today we will discuss some general rules to follow and the four hazard avoidance rules.

GUIDE FOR DISCUSSION
General Rules

• Learn the safe way to do your job.
• Don’t jump from one elevation to another.
• Don’t work under suspended loads.
• Remove protruding nails or bend them over.
• Keep the work area clear of debris.
• Use the personal protective equipment required for the job.
• Treat all electrical wires as being “live.”
• Use the right tool for the right job.
• Be sure all tools are in good shape.

Four Hazard Avoidance Rules

• Know the safe way to work, and then follow the safe way all the time.
• Maintain safe working conditions – for yourself and others around you.
• Work safely, setting the example, and encourage others to do so.
• Report all accidents and near misses.

Additional Discussion Notes:

• Keep scaffolds free of excess weight.
• Other ways to avoid hazards.
• Report accidents and near misses to Employer.

Remember: Remember to ask yourself if you are following the basic common sense rules? If you aren’t following them, then take the chance and you will have or cause an accident. Keep asking yourself “how can I make my work safer?” Doing so and you’ll probably not have a serious accident, and help prevent a serious accident for a fellow worker.