Workers do not intentionally injure themselves. But many workers are injured each year, some seriously and they still believe accidents "just happen"

Usually an error, or several errors that are within the control of someone. When an accident occurs, the task or action that resulted in the accident, is analyzed with focus being placed on the parts of the task that are controlled and those that are not. Ruling out unsafe conditions and a lack of safety knowledge about the task, what else can go wrong? A number of things! Accidents are most frequently due to haste and poor planning.

When employees go on the job, they are under constant supervision and are expected to meet the production goals of the job. As a result, workers, especially workers new to the company or the operation, may feel their job is on the line and may pay less attention to safety than to production to look good in the eyes of the supervisor.

This attitude often means poor work choices that put themselves OR their fellow workers at risk. AND these incidents have a negative impact on production, because dealing with them requires valuable time and money.

It is the employee’s responsibility to work safely, and that means taking the time to review what is to be done and ... what can go wrong! Always check out the work area for any hazards, prior to beginning work, and review the steps it takes to complete the job safely. Always conduct a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) prior to any job - routine or non-routine.

Ask the following questions, to help predict what might go wrong and how the risks can be controlled:

• Is the correct safety equipment being used?
• Are there enough workers to handle the job?
• Are environmental issues a factor?
• Proper lighting for going outside at night?
• Grating hazards roped off and identified?
• Are handrails and stairways in good condition?
• Have all new workers to the job been notified of all hazards?