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This is the first in a series of video safety tips by our resident safety expert Chad Tisonik that we'll be publishing to our blog. To learn more safety basics, check out our August 23rd HNI U webinar “Safety Basics for the Non-Safety Professional” and share with your team. [We only have 4 slots left, so sign up asap if you're interested!]
Is it time for a refresher course on Lock Out Tag Out?
One of the first things you learn in Driver’s Ed is that a high majority of car accidents happen close to home. The driver is very familiar with the area and confident in their driving ability. Then one day, a car runs a stop sign and BAM! Crash.
What’s this have to do with Lock Out Tag Out? Your employees are well-trained on the machinery they need to perform their job, and they do that job every day. They probably had a safety training orientation that showed them how to use Lock Out Tag Out, but when a piece of the machine breaks, will they know what to do? If a worker from the other side of the building comes over to ask a question, will he recognize the risk?
It’s crucial for employees to know how to properly apply the Lock Out Tag Out procedures to keep themselves and others safe. Whenever a machine or vehicle is broken or damaged, it needs to be immediately put out of service and locked in a way that it cannot be started by anyone except the key holder. Keeping strict regulations on the Lock Out Tag Out procedures can save lives (or limbs, etc) while also saving your company big costs on claims, worker’s comp, or further litigation.
Keep Safety Training Up-To-Date
For safety training to be effective, it also has to stay up-to-date with changing regulations and be enforced by everyone on the team. Posting new safety standards in break rooms and common areas will get a few glances, but the more effective way to change unsafe employee behaviors is to hold each person accountable for his or her actions. Incorporate short safety training seminars into regular meetings or send out a “Safety Tips” email once a month – find a way that works best for your employees to learn. With education and responsible behavior, everyone can be a safety professional underneath their other job responsibilities.
How Do Your Safety Efforts Stack Up?
Wondering how your company is performing related to safety? Click the button below to take a free assessment that will provide feedback on potential areas for improvement.
