What is my Responsibility?
We’re pretty good at absolving ourselves from responsibility from a very young age. It’s always some one else’s fault, or something wasn’t the way it should be, or maybe the dog did actually eat your homework.
Regardless of who is responsible when it comes to your health and safety – the person who is going to have to live with the consequences of any poor outcomes is you. You, more than anyone else have a vested interest in making sure that you work in a safe and healthy way that is not going to cause you issues now or into the future.
So what things are some key things you can take responsibility for?
Your Attitude: Having a positive and safe attitude at work is more than just following the rules, It's caring about what good safety practice means for you and your work colleagues.
Having a good attitude is about applying the right kind of focus a job deserves, taking the time to do it properly, using the proper help or equipment you need to do it right – even when no one is watching.
Be Aware: There really isn’t any excuse for you to not be aware of the risks associated with any tasks you are required to complete. If you are unsure of anything, whether how to do something, whether you’re even capable of doing it, or what impact it might have on your body, take the time to find out first. You may be a little slower getting it done once or twice, but if you end up with an injury or involved in accident, you may not be able to do it at all in the future.
Think of others: Thinking of others is your responsibility. You leave a spill on the ground that causes someone else to slip and fall, or don’t do a job properly, so someone else needs to come and get it done right, it’s your responsibility. Keeping an eye out for work mates who may be doing a job in an unsafe manner, even just bending or lifting poorly, having an eye out for each other can make a big difference in the overall safety culture, and everyone getting home safe and welle ach day.
Communicate: Whenever you notice something not right, communicate it. If you see a colleague doing something potentially harmful, then communicate it. Keep open conversation with co workers and managers about ways of doing things better, and if you’re struggling with anything yourself, communicate it. Don’t be afraid to say you need help, or are unsure of something. Incidents and accidents often happen just because we were too afraid to communicate.
Comply: Safety equipment is provided to you for a reason, to keep you safe. Task specifications and safety procedures are developed and provided to you for a reason, to keep you safe. Training and instruction is provided to you for a reason, to keep you safe. It’s up to you to make sure you use what is provided and follow the appropriate instructions. If you’re unsure – make sure you ask the questions until you are sure.
Be safe
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