Safety Corner: Simply safety

  • Published
  • By Wendy E. Medley
  • 82nd Training Wing Safety Office
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Safety in the workplace and sports, the two most hazardous environments, remain a constant challenge for commanders, supervisors and individuals. 

The principles of safe operations are simple:
· Apply common sense. Be aware of your surroundings and your limitations for activity at hand. Don't over extend your capabilities or ignore potentially harmful features in your immediate work area. 

· Use proper protective equipment. Gloves, safety goggles, hard hats, steel-toed boots and ear muffs are examples of protective equipment. 

· Use proper tools, equipment and materials. The proper equipment used in the proper manner will lead to successful task completion. Improper tool usage can lead to dangerous results. 

· Use checklists and written procedures. Ensure you have technical orders and checklists in hand when required. Make sure you understand the task or activity prior to performing it. Understand all aspects or seek assistance before proceeding with questionable techniques or limited knowledge. Ask for help when needed. 

· Contain excitement. Maintain a steady pace without excessive aggressiveness. It's better to finish a job with quality or success than to rush to failure. 

Applying these straight-forward principles collectively form a good safety attitude. Accidents rarely "just happen," they are "caused." Keep it simple, keep it safe.