Share the lessons of near-accidents

Bob was in a hurry to get a product out of the stock room. Using a ladder that he could not quite position correctly, because there was another object in the way, he went up the ladder to get the product he wanted.

As he was coming down, Bob felt the ladder sliding to the right. He was able to correct his balance to stop it and made it down to the ground safely. This is what most people refer to as “a close one” or what safety people call a “near miss.”

Scenarios like this happen in different ways, different places and often involve power equipment. The point is that it was close to becoming an accident and needs to be addressed so that it doesn’t happen again. Encourage employees to report ‘near misses’ so that improvements can be made. Also ask your employees make that little extra effort to perform their jobs properly. Safety measures are established to avoid injuries or a stay in the hospital.

RS SafetyTV has a few videos that talk about this topic. It’s a great subject for your next safety meeting.

WR’s Director of Safety & Education Rick Means is available to members to help draw up safety plans and suggest topics for safety meetings. Contact him at 360-943-9198 x118, or [email protected]