The definition of "common sense" is practical understanding and the use of sound judgement. How many times have we said that a great deal of safety is simply the use of "common sense precautions"?

"If I am the one who has an accident, I am the one who is going to suffer the pain that goes with the injury at the time it happens. And that may be just the beginning of the pain and suffering I will have to endure: broken bones, surgery, hospitals, etc. "

If you think of your personal stake in the safety program this way, you might place a higher regard on common sense precautions than ever before.

A single moment of inattention to detail or lapsing into an unsafe act, or ignoring an unsafe condition may cause you to be injured and laid up for days, weeks, months, or forever. You could be maimed, disfigured, or crippled so that you could never do your normal work again. You could be an example of what happens when a worker does not use common sense and take safety precautions.

Accidents can cost you plenty. In the past we have discussed the loss of pay when you are receiving workers’ compensation. Can you maintain your standard of living on that amount of money? Will your family suffer from a lower income? These questions alone should lead us to follow common sense precautions.

What are some of these common sense precautions?

• Wear correct PPE
• Use the handrails when going up/down stairs
• Clean up all spills immediately
• Wipe grease/liquid from bottoms of shoes when coming in from outside
• Wear a cutting glove when using a knife
• Use correct lifting techniques
• Lift all food stores 6" off floor
• Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when cleaning toilets and showers
• Place wet floor signs when mopping floors
• Wear hearing protection in high noise areas
• Do not store items in walkways, doorways or stairways
• Write or review a JSA on task at hand
• Do not wear loose or floppy clothing, rings, jewelry or other items that can become

caught on equipment