6 Steps for a safe day

Step 1 - Think Safe

Thinking positively and adopting the right attitude leads to positive safe behavior.

Positive thinking and safe behavior are valuable attributes to your well being and are crucial to a positive health and safety culture of any organisation.

Stop and think about what you are about to do; how it will be done; what you are going to use; and where it will be done.

So, before you start a job task, take a moment to think about it. Using your knowledge, understanding and competence, get yourself into the right frame of mind to enable yourself to THINK SAFE.

Step 2 - Make Safe

Ask yourself the question: “Can I do the job safely?”

Thinking safely, remaining alert, focused and aware of the hazards around you isn’t the end.

Don’t assume everything is well, you must always check, check and check again to ensure it is safe.

Check:

• The area you are working in - be aware of any hazards that are there and cannot be removed;

• The work equipment you will be using - make sure it is fit for use;

• Access equipment available for use - make sure that it is the right piece of equipment and fit for use;

• Documentation for access equipment is current - e.g. statutory thorough examinations, load tests

• Any designated personal protective equipment is also fit for use.

Remember, faulty equipment of any kind must not be used; report it and obtain suitable replacements.

By conducting all these necessary checks you will MAKE SAFE.

Step 3 - Act Safe

Now you’ve thought about it and made the necessary checks, you know it makes sense to do it safely. Remember, always carry out the job in accordance with the training you have been given (or are undergoing).

By acting safely it demonstrates that you have the right attitude and behavior to perform your job safely. Acting safely also encourages others working alongside or close by to act safely too.

Step 4 - Feel Safe

Once you’ve done all your checks, you should now be satisfied that all is well to proceed in a safe manner. You have the right equipment and you have been trained to do the job.

Remember, if in your opinion it isn’t safe, you have the right to refuse to do the job.

You must FEEL SAFE at all times e.g. before allowing the work to start or indeed to continue.

Step 5 - Work Safe

When you’ve been allocated a job to do, it’s on the basis that you are considered to be competent to do so safely.

You’ve been trained (or are undergoing training); you’ve been given the necessary work, access and personal protective equipment to do the job safely.

You’ve checked the working area and equipment is fit for use - It’s now up to you to WORK SAFE.

Step 6 - Home Safe

Everyone comes to work earn a fair wage for a fair days work, to enable us to enjoy a reasonable standard of living, doing the things we want to do. It is the Company’s aim for everyone to come to work and have a safe day, so that you can enjoy your leisure time in the best possible way.

We want you to leave work at the end of your allotted shift time in the same fit condition to that which you reported at the start of the day - or maybe just a little bit tired from your day’s exertions!

Seriously, at the end of the working day we want everyone to go HOME SAFE to your friends and family.

---