What Will An Accident Cost You?
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Jake was in a hurry. He figured he could complete the AC service job he had started the day before and still get to the next job before coffee break. Jake got right to work. In his rush to finish, he shut off power at the unit, but did not lock out the unit or check its power supply for stored energy. Having to do those things would have slowed him down.
As Jake reached into the unit, he contacted a capacitor charged to 280 volts and got the shock of his life. The shock knocked him backward, causing him to hit his head. His accident left him with a cut on his head and severe electrical burns on his hand. He was lucky—it could have been much worse.
Accidents Cost More Than Just Money
A simple two-minute check to see if the unit was locked out would have saved Jake a lot of pain and suffering. But, it’s not just Jake who was affected. A worker’s accident affects more than just the injured employee and the employer.
The ripple effect from an accident like Jake’s goes deeper than just the obvious costs. It can create morale and productivity issues—after all, the company is now short one worker. That could result in lost business, which equates to lost revenue. And that could lead to layoffs or reduced wages or benefits. Additionally, frequent insurance claims often means the company has to pay higher premium. In other words, the more money spent on insurance, the less there is for employees.
Everyone’s Responsibility
Jake knew better. But, he was willing to take the risk to save some time. In the end, it cost him and his employer.
It’s everyone’s responsibility to be on the lookout for hazards, both for themselves and their co-workers. A job site is an active, busy place. But, it’s important to remember that no matter how busy the day gets, safety should always be at the top of the list of job duties. Safety topics presented during toolbox talks or tailgate meetings may seem like common sense, but it never hurts to be reminded to be more safety conscious.
Keep constant lookout— front, sides, back, above, and even below.
Watch for anything moving — people, vehicles, hoists, machines, etc.
While driving — watch for people who aren’t paying attention.
If you’re working above others — watch where you drop things.
If you’re working below others — make sure anyone working above you knows you’re there.
Watch your step — know where skylights and roof edges are.
Be deliberate about safety when using a ladder.
Learn and protect yourself — from the risks inherent to each task.
Workers mindful of potential dangers at a job site can protect themselves and others—and, essentially, their livelihood. Ignoring hazards or taking shortcuts is never worth it. Just ask Jake.
Safe@Work is brought to you by Federated Insurance®. This article is for general information and risk prevention purposes only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. It is not a guarantee that the risk of loss will be eliminated or reduced. Qualified counsel should be sought regarding questions specific to your circumstances. The information is accurate as of December 2013 and is subject to change.
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