22 Jun Hazard Awareness -The Little Things Count

Hazard Awareness – The Little Things Count

Most of us have heard the saying, “It’s the little things that count.” This is especially true when it comes to workplace safety.

Major hazards such as energized electrical equipment, unguarded machinery, hazardous chemicals, and work at heights usually get our attention. However, seemingly minor hazards can be just as capable of causing a serious injury when they are ignored.

Small Hazards Can Have Serious Consequences

Consider these examples:

• A small puddle of oil from a leaking forklift may not seem urgent, but it can cause a serious slip and fall. Cleaning the spill is important, but the leak must also be reported and corrected.
• A box temporarily left in a walkway may be stepped around dozens of times before someone finally trips over it.
• A ladder placed in front of a door “just for a minute” can be struck when someone unexpectedly opens the door.
• A damaged extension cord, defective tool, or broken ladder may continue to be used because no one takes the time to remove it from service.
• A small opening, loose material, protruding nail, or damaged walking surface can quickly become the cause of an injury.

The fact that a hazard has existed without causing an injury does not mean it is safe.

Don’t Walk Past a Hazard

When you recognize an unsafe condition:

• Correct it immediately if you can do so safely and are authorized to do so.
• Report defective tools and equipment promptly.
• Remove damaged equipment from service when required.
• Clean up spills or guard the area until they can be properly cleaned.
• Keep aisles, stairs, exits, and work areas clear.
• Correct the source of recurring hazards rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms.
• Warn others when a hazard cannot be immediately eliminated.
• Notify your supervisor when additional corrective action is necessary.

If you walk past a hazard without correcting or reporting it, the next person may not see it.

Pay Attention to Changing Conditions

Workplaces constantly change. Materials are delivered, equipment moves, weather changes, cords and hoses are relocated, and other trades may begin working nearby.

Periodically look around your work area and ask:

• Has anything changed since I started?
• Are walking and working surfaces still clear?
• Have new slip, trip, or fall hazards developed?
• Are tools and equipment still in safe condition?
• Are guards, barricades, and other controls still in place?
• Could anything I am doing create a hazard for someone else?

Correcting a small problem early is usually easier than dealing with an injury later.

Don’t Ignore Minor Injuries

The same principle applies to injuries. A small cut, puncture, foreign object in the eye, or other seemingly minor injury can become more serious if ignored.

Report workplace injuries promptly and obtain appropriate first aid or medical attention according to company procedures.

Remember

Safety is not only about recognizing obvious hazards. Pay attention to the little things. Correct or report hazards when you find them, address their underlying causes, and never assume a condition is safe simply because no one has been hurt yet.