SAFETY- ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR

We all instinctively seek to avoid pain and death, yet people may behave in a manner that is a threat to their well being. There are a couple of reasons why this occurs. The first is lack of knowledge. The second reason people may act in a risky manner is their attitude. Now might be a good time to do a self-analysis. What is your attitude towards safety if I may ask?

When asked, some may say that they are all for safety. But in the process others may not obey any safety rules, some may obey a few, still, some may be completely ignorant. The difference between these groups of people is their attitude. People’s attitude affects all that they do and how they do it.

Have you ever noticed that people who are successful in life tend to have a positive attitude? And so it is with safety. Safety rules and procedures are written to protect people from harm. They are not written to make their lives more uncomfortable or inconvenient. After all, safety equipment and training costs a lot of money.

When cooperation is achieved in safety matters, not only is there a lesser likelihood of a person getting hurt, workers or those involved will not be doing battle with their boss of a safety specialist who is just trying to do his job by enforcing the safety rules. In addition employees have a better chance of making it through the day without any injury. Less fear of injury and the boss no longer on their back has to brighten their day!

Surely we are not perfect. Even the best of worker can forget or make errors in judgement. To maximise the safety efforts, employees or workers must look out for one another. If someone is spotted as not working in a safe manner, such a person should not become angry or defensive. It is all about looking out for each other’s well-being. If your colleague observes you were doing something wrong and he timely intervened, be thankful your errors were noted before someone got hurt. If people simply forgot or got a little careless, be grateful that someone cares enough to get the particular person back on track. If you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up, but do it diplomatically, sternly, professionally, politely. Treat others just as you would like to be treated in the same situation.

Remember, attitude affects behaviour. If people have positive attitude, chances are that they will exhibit safe behaviour. A negative attitude towards safety will only cause conflict, stress and ultimately, an accident. With positive attitude towards safety, several benefits follow – benefits of safe workplace is a topic for another day.

Human nature generally resists change. Change is uncomfortable but unfortunately, it is the only permanent thing in life. Regardless of its positive or negative effect, change can be stressful. Sometimes people are so comfortable with negativity, that even when the change is for the good, they do not want to accept it.

Building positive attitude and developing taste for change is essential factors for any individual to be successful. Do not repeat the mistakes of others, take advice from others with an open mind and know that it is all about your staying alive one day at a time.

On the last note, if you can make people to think before they act, you can bottle common sense and administer it