What’s Your Attitude Toward Risk Management?
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From the time you were a small child, everyone has been telling you to “Be careful!” You are told to do this or don’t do that because you might get hurt.
Maybe that message gets shared constantly throughout our lives because it’s important advice. No one wants to see you get hurt; most of all, you! But, as with anything that’s repeated endlessly, people can become desensitized to the message. When it comes to risk management, don’t let that happen!
The right stuff.
You probably check your equipment and job assignments before you begin work, but do you also check your attitude? Pretending “it’ll never happen to me” is risky. It can cause you to become careless. Before you start your workday, remember that mindfulness for what you’re doing can have a positive effect on your personal safety!
Focus on each task. Being tired, bored, or distracted can lead to big and little mistakes, which could injure you or a co-worker, or damage your work. If your mind is elsewhere, stop for a second and bring yourself back to the task at hand.
Do it right or do it twice. Skipping steps or cutting corners could actually save time occasionally. It could also cause unnecessary risk, so it’s usually not worth it. A positive attitude helps you recognize the benefits of wearing personal protective equipment, or prioritizing your tasks from most to least urgent to avoid rushing and making mistakes.
Inner strength. Sometimes, doing what’s right can be a challenge, especially if it’s not what others want to do. A positive attitude can help you make the right choice.
Responsibility. Thinking of yourself as part of a team can help you see the benefit of taking responsibility for something even though it may not be your job. You may not be the one who spilled some oil, but if it’s not cleaned up, someone could get hurt. An injury hurts the whole team. Your positive attitude is a win-win for everyone, and may even inspire others to follow your lead.
Risks. Certain tasks carry more risk than others. Even if the potential for injury seems minimal, it’s still not worth the risk. A good attitude helps you work smarter and avoid taking chances.
Everyone has a day now and then when emotions—whether sadness, anger, distress, or yes, even happiness or excitement—can affect their job performance. Some days, it can take a lot of effort to not let them. But it’s worth it.
This article is only for general information and recommendations regarding risk prevention and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations presented may help reduce or eliminate the risk of loss, but are not guaranteed to do so. Seek qualified counsel with questions specific to your circumstances. ©2015 Federated Mutual Insurance Company.
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Posted In: Safety
