Toolbox Talk – Taking Personal Responsibility

Taking Personal Responsibility

This Toolbox Talk on Taking Personal Responsibility will cover many different aspects. When it comes right down to it, you are the only one who can ensure your safety at work. While the company provides a safe workplace, training, and protective gear, only you can prevent accidents and injuries. Accidents aren’t just bad luck; they happen when someone decides, consciously or not, to take a chance. Why would someone decide to take a risk that could result in injury to themselves or others? This might stem from wanting to finish quickly, underestimating risks, feeling deadline pressure, or simple unawareness. Recognising these factors can help you make better choices and avoid unnecessary risks. Stay vigilant, follow protocols, and always prioritise your well-being and that of your colleagues to maintain a safe work environment.

These could be some of the excuses:

• “I did not understand the danger”. Make sure you receive the information and training you need to avoid workplace hazards.
• “I didn’t bother to read the instructions or precautions.” Checking the Material Safety Data Sheets, labels, operating manual and other directions should be automatic before you start an unfamiliar task.
• “I forgot the safety procedure.” Training reviews are vital for all workers, both new and experienced.
• “I was too embarrassed to ask anyone for help”. Embarrassed or injured? What would you rather be?
• “I thought accidents happen to other people, not to me.” That’s what almost everyone thinks, but obviously accidents are happening to someone!
• “I was in a rush to get done”. An injury is a poor trade-off for a little time saved.
• “My safety glasses (safety shoes, hardhat, neoprene gloves, etc.) make me look like a goof so I wasn’t wearing them.” It is vital to wear and care for Personal Protective Equipment as directed so it can keep you safe from injury – no matter what anyone else thinks. If you wear it, perhaps your co-workers will start to wear it too.
• “The safety guard was in the way.” That’s the idea; it’s supposed to be between you and the hazard. Never tamper with a machine guard.
• “I figured someone else would clean it up.” Worksite housekeeping is everyone’s responsibility.
• “I thought everyone would see I had the machine apart for adjustment.” Use proper lockout procedures whenever you are doing repairs, maintenance and adjustments on equipment, so it cannot be started accidentally by someone else.
• “I was only travelling a few blocks, so I did not buckle my seatbelt.” Don’t wait until you hit the highway for putting on your seat belt. Statistics show most accidents happen near home and work.
• “I always considered safety meetings a great time to catch a nap.” With this attitude, you might sleep through a presentation that would help you avoid an accident.
• “I thought somebody else would keep me safe.” Your safety is ultimately up to you.

After an accident occurs, it’s easy to see how inadequate these excuses are. What’s a little bit of time effort or swallowed pride compared to preventing a painful injury?

Since you value yourself and your well-being, don’t turn the responsibility over to others.

LOOK OUT FOR NUMBER ONE.

Download the full Toolbox Talk document on the Taking Personal Responsibility below: