I lived in Minnesota for three years back in the 70’s and with my travel schedule, I understand how brutally cold it is and has been across the United States this winter. I also know how quickly people will respond when the weather warms up in a few short weeks. Having been cooped up all winter, they will be looking forward to getting outdoors and enjoying activities the colder weather made impossible.
Don’t let the first sign of spring be new sprains and strains from a workforce unprepared for their change in lifestyle. Now is a good time to prepare toolbox and safety topics on the injuries you want to prevent in the weeks to come.

As a safety speaker two significant springtime issues come to my mind. First, are the physical activities and second are the actual projects people want to accomplish.

As to the first, the physical activities, the potential for injury is great because their muscles aren’t accustomed to the renewed activities. I know from my personal experience of riding a bike for fitness, it takes me longer to warm up before I can go full speed when I haven’t been riding much.

Second, people are cleaning up their property from fallen branches and the other debris of winter. Also, they will work on that new patio deck or other anticipated project. For someone in construction who knows how to do these tasks it is simple but for a software engineer who may not have learned about hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, hard hats and other PPE, it is much different. Use this as an opportunity to let people know you are “Watching Out For Everyone’s Safety”™ on and off the job. When people see you caring about their safety off the job they know you really care about them and it’s not just about the numbers.

How many of your people will use or work with yard and garden chemicals this spring? It is so easy to be in a hurry and not use protective eye wear and gloves to protect themselves. For the occasional gardener, there is the dangerous thought, “I only do this once a year, a little chemical contact won’t make a difference.” Share with your people what is appropriate for your part of the country and what precautions need to be taken.

Take some time and you can think of many more issues that would relate to people in your area. We all need to be safe on and off the job.
Until next week,
I’ll be, “Watching Out For Everyone’s Safety™”
International Safety Speaker John Drebinger