YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE

Every person determines their own fortune, and that fortune, good or bad, depends on the individual’s acceptance of personal responsibility.

At a young age, we are taught to assume responsibilities. (“Look before you cross the street… playing with matches is dangerous… be home before dark…”). Even today, as adults, we still learn and decide whether to accept certain obligations. Young or old, we make individual choices.

When responsibilities are shunned or rejected, someone must cope with the results. Police officers, judges, juvenile officers and social workers respond to most of these rejections in our society. In safety, doctors, nurses and funeral directors deal with the consequences of rejected responsibilities.

By accepting and practicing safety responsibility, you ensure your future both at home and on the job. You do the same for your fellow worker as well, because socially and morally you are responsible for preventing accidents to others as well.

If you see an unsafe act, do something about it. Point it out so others are aware and can avoid future mistakes. Point out to other employees when safety is not being practiced. After all, it is their responsibility to prevent an accident to you as well.

Use good work habits. Don’t be impulsive, and remember that hurrying can hurt. Develop the attitude that “if I do something wrong, I’m taking the chance of getting hurt,” then do the job the right way.

If you are a supervisor, help new employees learn that safety is the rule and not the exception. Teach them proper safety responsibility before you turn them loose.

Practice leaving personal problems and emotional stress away from the job. Remember, that accidents do not just happen, they are caused. Correct little mistakes before they grow into permanent bad habits. Safety responsibility is up to you.