Safety in the workplace should be common sense but lately in Alberta it doesn’t seem so common. With all the safety regulations, training and protocol being enforced in workplaces, it’s alarming that people are still getting hurt on the job site.
Sadly almost anyone who has worked in construction or the service industry has seen safety practices and protocols abandoned at the expense of production. Equipment malfunctions, shipping delays and regulatory restrictions are all parts of doing business but can often slow the pace of production. When this occurs, crews and management are forced to make decisions that could put a person in harm’s way. Safety, the first and last line of defence for the worker is overlooked for the great Canadian loonie, once again.
Sometimes it’s as small as forgetting to mop up that spill you had on aisle nine or forgetting your crescent wrench on top of the latter. Most of the time it’s twisting your lower back from improper lifting technique or cutting your thumb open from forgetting to wear your safety gloves. A couple of stiches or a few trips to the chiropractor are minor in the big scheme of things.
But once in a while an accident occurs that stops everyone in their tracks and gets them thinking about safety once again. Only this time it was five accidents in less than a week. The worst part is that these men did not return safe from work, even worse they didn’t return home at all. Unfortunately they perished trying to pay their bills, put food on the table and maybe even put their kids through school.
The sudden surge of fatalities has everyone taking a closer look how they look at safety. The government is reviewing regulations, hiring more staff and downloading administrative powers. Companies are tightening up on safety practices in the workplace and spending more money on training. The individual is left with nothing more to do than abide by these practices and protocols and they are left with final choice on whether or not they will.
The workplace has seen drastic improvements in safety regulations and procedures over the years. From the railroads and coal mines of yesterday to today’s oil sands and wind turbine farms, we have come a long way in ensuring the safety of our men and women. Companies, associations and individuals have spent countless hours developing in-depth procedures, refining industry regulations and inventing safety mechanisms or protocols.
Even with the evolution of innovation and the procurement of knowledge, the employee is left with the final decision. They are the final defence in protecting their well-being. It is up to them to learn proper techniques, follow safety protocol and abide by government regulation. All the training and equipment in the world cannot save the man or woman who decides to not put safety as a priority.
Accidents are random acts or occurrences happening without foreseeable cause or reason. They are usually followed by negative reaction or consequence. They do happen and will happen but we need to get back to reducing them. Other than mechanical failures and environmental calamities, accidents are most often caused by human failure or negligence. Often it’s the individuals who have failed and put themselves in harm’s way. The government and the company are doing all they can to ensure safety of their employees. Now it’s up to them to decide if they want work safely or not.
Risks and hazards are prevalent in many fields but by following safety practices we can reduce the chances of accidents. We need to start promoting safety as the number one priority. We need to make it a topic at the lunch table and on the job site. It should be discussed prior to work, followed during work and appreciated after work. Putting on your hard hat or double checking the lifting swing could be the difference between a job well done and life abruptly cut short. It’s a matter of being aware, vigilant and vocal.
Governments, companies and individuals need to continue to work together to create a culture of safety in the work place. We all need to learn and follow our roles with a sense urgency and dedication. Only then can we safely work our way into the future.
