Do You Believe That Every Accident Can Be Avoided?

October 31, 10:05 PMPersonal Safety ExaminerChris Loomis

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Common sense goes a long way in avoiding accidents!

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Believing in an idea is important. We all know the power and beauty of a child who believes in Santa and Christmas. But maybe it seems like avoiding every accident that comes along is impossible. After all, we all make mistakes. At times, for a variety of reasons, we stop paying attention and just “zone out.”

Accidents can happen when we mindlessly go about any task. But the first step to turning that around is to discuss it. Every accident can be avoided if we make a conscience decision to pay attention to what we’re doing all the time.

This is especially important in the workplace. Accidents in the workplace cost employers millions of dollars each year. In almost every instance, the accident was easily avoidable. Some of the most common workplace accidents are:

1. Slipping and falling
2. Being injured by equipment, such as a fork lift
3. Being injured by faulty equipment, such as electrical shocks from improperly wired equipment
4. Being injured while using equipment incorrectly

That last one is a direct result of poor training. Often employees are told to operate equipment and machinery that they actually have not been properly trained on. This is a responsibility of the employer.

Employers get in a hurry! They need some job done quickly! They aren’t thinking about safety. They simply want to get some project completed for a customer so they take short cuts. This can result in injuries and accidents in the workplace. Having a “safety attitude” means you think before you act. You don’t take short cuts when it comes to the safety of employees.

Safety is an attitude that begins in our thoughts. We can create an accident free work environment at work and at home if we believe we can and are committed to the process. 


Chris has more than 20 years of professional-safety experience. As the marketing manager for DuPont’s environmental and safety services, he has seen firsthand the safety challenges faced by plant personnel while working with more than 600 chemical, petrochemical and manufacturing facilities. Chris is an award-winning international safety speaker and author. Contact Chris here if you have any questions or suggestions.