Behavioral Safety - Who Is Responsible for Safety?

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Safety is everyones responsibility! As an employee, you should:

  • Learn to work safely and take all rules seriously.
  • Recognize hazards and avoid them.
  • Report all accidents, injuries and illness to your supervisor immediately.
  • Inspect tools before use to avoid injury.
  • Wear all assigned personal protective equipment.

On the other hand, it is managements responsibility to:

  • Provide a safe and healthy workplace.
  • Provide personal protective equipment.
  • Train employees in safe procedures and in how to identify hazards.

Everyone must be aware of potential hazards on the job:

  • Poor housekeeping results in slips, trips and falls.
  • Electricity can cause shocks, burns or fire if not handled properly.
  • Poor material handling may cause back problems or other injuries.
  • Tools and equipment can cause injuries if guards or protective devices are disengaged.

Always use the protections that are provided on the job:

  • Guards on machines and tools keep body parts from contacting moving equipment.
  • Insulation on electrical equipment prevents burns, shock and fire.
  • Lockout/tagout assures equipment is de-energized before it is repaired.
  • Personal protective equipment shields your body from hazards you may face on the job.

In case of emergency:

  • Understand alarms and evacuation routes.
  • Know how to notify emergency response personnel.
  • Implement a procedure for leaving the scene safely so emergency personnel can do their job.
  • Wipe up spills promptly and correctly.

Safety benefits everyone. With fewer injuries, a business can be more productive and profitable. By incorporating safety rules, employees avoid injury as well as illness from exposure to hazardous substances.


This toolbox topic was reviewed by ______________________________________ on ___________________________ with the following employees: