The importance of having an up to date “Driving at Work Management System in place is getting crutial by the day as legislation dictates that we must protect our businesses from the few.

One of the biggest issues we face as human beings is our attitude to certain protocols in life, for instance how many times have we heard someone at work or within our business say;

“It’s not my job”        or       “It won’t happen to me”

It never ceases to amaze me at times that a large proportion of employees will pass the buck by assuming you are responsible when an incident happens. It is all too easy to lay the blame at somebody else’s doorstep and it could be yours if you are not careful, it’s called human conditioning. 

Health & Safety isn’t a sexy subject, and before you doze off, as it always happens when we talk about Health & Safety especially compounded with vehicles being a very emotive subject then I am onto a loser before I start!

We need to take a hard look at the management systems that we have in place, because, as the legislation gets tighter and resultant fines from breaches being like telephone numbers. Can we afford not to take action and be responsible 100% of the time whether that is from an employer, employee, sub contractor or volunteer perspective?

So how do you protect everyone in your business? The answer is easy; communicate with everyone in a manner that gets the message across, without alienating them or yourself into the bargain.

It is funny; when we use the word “communicate” we tend to clam up and are not sure where to start.

Get a pad and pen out and let me ask you; when someone whom you employ or engage to do work for you, drives on behalf of your organisation.  Do you see or think of areas that can eat into your profit? If so write them down and address it.

For instance a van livered up with your name pristine and proudly displayed and the driver is either doing something or a number of things all at the same time. Such as using a mobile phone, smoking, speeding, hand gestures or even parked irresponsibly. You may even class these as minor issues. But they can dent your reputation without you knowing about it until it is too late. Would you purchase food from a baker when the driver delivering the goods has been seen smoking in the cab?  or would you recommend a plumber, joiner or an electrician if they cut you up and started giving gestures out the window?, I know I wouldn’t and perhaps now I have maybe started you thinking.

No matter what business you are in and are using vehicles, you run the risk of lost sales revenue by the actions of a few. Now we all need sales to keep the business going it is our life blood.

Take speeding & mobile phone issues and a minimum 3 points on the drivers licence as a result, what will this do to your insurance renewal? The driver has a risk of losing their licence with totting up of points? What is your policy for reporting this?

With businesses going through difficult times, can you really afford to eat into what profit you may have?

Now let’s look at the worst case scenario and the driver has caused or is involved in an incident. If a fatality has occurred the police will treat it the same way as a murder and you better hope that you have a fully auditable management system in place to protect you which will stand up to close scrutiny.  

Examples above will have a cost; however fines for serious breaches could put you out of business unless you have money stashed under the mattress so to speak and you don’t need to own the vehicle.

What will the cost be if you have to replace an employee who was injured, died or even sent to prison because of the incident. Now I hear you say the dreaded words “That won’t happen to us” It could, how do you know as it only takes a lapse of concentration. Oh, and what about all the adverse publicity, fine and the time it drags out as it could be a few years before it is heard in court if you are deemed negligent.

Putting your house in order isn’t rocket science and you have three choices.

1.      Engage a company to help you install a proper management system.

This will allow you to get your house in order correctly using the expertise available.

2.      Do it yourself or have someone in your organisation do it.

Understanding what is required may eat into more resources than you realise and the person needs to be competent and have an understanding of what is required.

3.      Continue as you are.

This isn’t an option, if you have something in place get it reviewed, otherwise you may well be in a false position. If you are not sure what you have in place get it checked out now as it could be the best decision you have made.

These options have cost implications; the most expensive will only come to light when you have an incident. The big question is can you afford to take the chance? Safety isn’t a cost option, it is a necessary option as the:

“Unexpected will always happen when you least expect it too!”

The April 2010 report of Australian, New Zealand and International Workplace Fatalities is now available; below you will find a statistical extract from the FULL report.

2010 Totals are 1391, which break down to the following:

These statistics show Total Fatalities & Incidents are:

These statistics show Mortality Rates are:

Highest Industries with Fatalities

Highest Mechanisms of Fatalities

Email grant@achievablesolutions.com.au if you would like to receive a copy of the FULL Report complete with graphical analysis and incident details.

The February 2010 report of Australian, New Zealand and International Workplace Fatalities is now available; below you will find a statistical extracted from the FULL report.

2010 Totals are 625, which break down to the following:

9 - Australia           

3 - New Zealand

613 - International 

These statistics show Total Fatalities & Incidents are:

These statistics show Mortality Rates are:

Highest Industries with Fatalities

Highest Mechanisms of Fatalities

Email grant@achievablesolutions.com.au if you would like to receive a copy of the FULL Report complete with graphical analysis and incident details.

It is common knowledge that more accidents occur during the holiday season than any other time of the year. The best way to prevent an injury is to learn what the most common reasons are that bring a person into the ER.

Car Accidents

Car accidents this time of year are extremely dangerous due to weather conditions and a higher-percentage of intoxicated drivers on the road than usual. Avoid driving in hazardous weather conditions when possible and winterize your vehicle before traveling. Above all else, never drink and drive.

Holiday Decorating

When it comes to holiday decorating a variety of accidents can happen. Over 5,000 each year involve falling off of a ladder hanging Christmas lights and decorations. The month of December is responsible for 25 percent of all home decorating fires. Fires caused by Christmas trees and decorative lights claim an average of 500 homes annually. 

Winter Sports

Many people do not realize how dangerous winter sports can be and end up with extreme consequences. Skiing and snowboarding accidents cause hundreds of physical injuries, as well as frostbite, hypothermia and severe sun burns. 35,000 sledding injuries occur each year. In 2004, 11,000 children sought medical attention from ice skating injuries.

Kitchen Fires

Fire departments across the country plead with the public to be careful in the kitchen during the holidays to avoid kitchen fires. Three out of ten home fires began in the kitchen. To reduce the risk of a kitchen fire, do not leave cooking food unattended and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources.

Cuts

From cooking to wrapping presents, if it’s sharp it can cut the skin. Hundreds of people cut themselves every year working hard to create the perfect holiday mood. Be careful with sharp objects and keep out of the reach of children. Make sure that first aid kits are available when needed.

Poisonous Christmas Plants

The many holiday plants are poisonous and can cause severe reactions if ingested. Keeping poinsettias, mistletoe, holly, Jerusalem cherry and amaryllis out of the reach of small children and pets is the best way to ensure that there will be no need to call poison control.

Electrical Shock

Electrical decoration mishaps bring an average of 5,000 people to the emergency room each year. Only use extension cords that are in good condition (not frayed) and never run them underneath any kind of fabric, including rugs. Be careful to overload electrical sockets and unplug devices when they are no longer in use.

Shoveling Snow and Snow Blowers

Removing snow and ice from walkways and driveways provides protection from potential lawsuits, but each year 100,000 injuries are result of this chore. When shoveling snow, lift with knees bent and a straight back to prevent back injury. Permission from a physician is necessary for those with heart conditions and should stop immediately if chest pains occur. When using a snow blower, the fourth leading cause of finger amputation, always wear protective eyewear and keep hands away from the auger. Make sure that all safety devices are in working condition and read safety instructions before operating.

To learn more about SafetySkills™, visit http://www.safetyskills.com.

Loved ones coming together is what the holidays are all about, but first you have to get there. This holiday season is expected to receive more travel on the roads than in previous years due to the recession, which means that more safety measures need to be taken to avoid accidents. SafetySkills™ is providing these safe driving tips:

• Know the weather conditions and how to drive in them. 75 percent of all winter weather related deaths can be attributed to driving in dangerous weather conditions. Take SafetySkills™ free Hazardous Driving Conditions online course to learn how to minimize your risk at http://www.safetyskills.com/winter-driving.
• Prepare you vehicle for winter driving. It is recommended to check the tire pressure, windshield wipers and fluid, and the battery to avoid car trouble and keep the windshield and windows clean for proper visibility. Stocking the car with self-sustaining technologies and supplies is also encouraged, such as a first aid kit, blankets, matches, safety flares, flashlight, fully-charged cell phone and bottled water.
• Stay alert. Driver distraction is becoming, in the words of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, an “epidemic” that caused 500,000 car accidents and 6,000 fatalities last year. Drivers need to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.
• Never drink and drive. 36 percent of all Christmas accidents on the road are alcohol-related. Those who become too festive for their own good should never get behind the wheel and should use a taxi service.
•  Plan for daytime driving. Three times as many fatalities occur during the night (6 p.m. - 6 a.m.) than during the day according to both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council (NSC).

“Driving this time of year is simply chaotic,” said Trey Greene, CEO of noodleStream.com. “The roads are busy and that mixed with the weather creates a dangerous environment for driving. Using these tips will help reduce the chance of car accidents and more importantly injuries and even deaths.”

To learn more about SafetySkills™ and to take their free Hazardous Driving Conditions course, visit http://www.safetyskills.com/winter-driving.

Safety in the kitchen will save a perfect holiday dinner from ending with the fire department hosing down your Christmas ham. Kitchen fires are a major concern during the holidays and some simple safety tips could prevent a Christmas disaster.

Stay in the kitchen while food is cooking. Leaving cooking food unattended is the number 1 cause of kitchen fires.

Keep cloth items away from heat sources. Wearing long sleeves while cooking and leaving potholders and dishtowels lying near the stove are great ways to accidentally start a fire. Roll up long sleeves and place potholders and dishtowels away from the stove and oven.  

Do not have too many cooks in the kitchen. Make sure there is enough room for everyone to cook well and safely. Nobody wants to get burned or cut, but chaos in the kitchen leads to accidents so keep things calm.

Cleanliness is godliness. Many people do not realize that keeping kitchens clean reduces the risk of fire. Leftover grease and food can catch fire in burners, the oven, pots and pans.

Grease is the enemy. Grease and oil can easily ignite if they get too hot. Cook very carefully and lower the heat whenever smoke appears. If a grease fire occurs, try to smother it with a lid. Never attempt to put it out with water, this will cause the fire to spread further.

Call 911. Every home should have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as a precaution, but sometimes the fire department still needs to be called. If a fire occurs and you are unable to put it out, call 911 immediately and flee the home.

“Our goal is to give people the information they need to enjoy life while being safe,” said Trey Greene, CEO of noodleStream.com and creator of SafetySkills™. “Everyone should have a great holiday, especially with the hardships so many are experiencing. Helping out in any way we can is what holiday spirit is all about.”

To learn more about SafetySkills™, visit http://www.safetyskills.com.

These past few days have been horrific across the U.S. The stunning tragedy at Fort Hood claiming the lives of 13 people along with many injured, and then today’s workplace shooting in Orlando. All that seems to come to mind is, what is wrong with people today and why is it that signs of danger get ignored until it is too late?

In Fort Hood, Texas on Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. suspected shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, an Army psychiatrist, gunned down the very soldiers who he was there to help. 13 have died and 30 are seriously wounded. So what made this man crack to the point of violence and were there any signs that could have been an indication of what was to come?

It was reported by several individuals that Hasan was frequently expressing anger about his upcoming deployment. He was also involved in many office arguments about his disapproval of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. His final and most explosive outburst took the lives of his fellow soldiers and he now lies in a hospital bed breathing on a ventilator. Now don’t get me wrong, not foreseeing the future is nobody’s fault in this tragic situation. But being aware and alert to possible dangers is important to everyone. Unfortunately, it seems that our soldiers can’t even feel safe on their own base. It’s hard enough to have to become mentally prepared for the dangers of war without having to worry about your safety at home.

As if that wasn’t enough horror for one week, another shooting occured in Orlando, Florida at the office of Reynolds, Smith and Hills. This shooting left Otis Beckford, 26, dead and five others injured. This incident reportedly occured due to the anger of disgruntled former employee, Jason Rodriguez. Rodriguez is currently in police custody facing a charge of first-degree murder.

With two fatal episodes of workplace violence taking place within two days, one has to wonder – could anything have been done to prevent such tragedies? From 1992 to 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) found that 11,613 workplace homicides took place. Many have even indicated that this type of violence is expected to grow due to the stress of the economy and job market. Employers need to take the extra time to ensure their employees’ safety by taking extra security precautions as well as training efforts.

Here are some helpful tips on creating a safer work environment to avoid workplace violence:

- Do thorough background checks on employees.

Many employers currently do this, but some have become more lax due to financial reasons. If you find out that a potential employee has a violent past, it may be in everyone’s best interest if you pass.

- Provide proper training.

All employees should be administered not only training for the physical hazards of their jobs, but the emotional ones as well. There is a reason companies have a Human Resources department. Take advantage of all of the recommended HR training, such as Violence in the Workplace at www.safetyskills.com.

- Create an open-door policy and protocols for safety concerns.

Make sure that employees feel safe when coming to a supervisor about a possible safety issue. All discussions should be respected and stay confidential. Create a protocol for reporting a concern for violence and follow-up on the matter with discretion.

- Have a no tolerance policy.

Never condone or forgive a violent matter of any kind in your workplace. It doesn’t matter how minor the incident or if it was a joke gone awry. This needs to be embedded into the minds of your staff that your number one concern is their safety.

- Get security.

Get some type of security in your workplace. This can mean an actual security guard, a monitoring system or a personal keycode system that can be removed upon the termination of an employee. The harder it is for a disgruntled employee to get into the building, the less likely they will try.

Submitted at the request of Kevin Forbes - HSE People

It is twelve (12) months today since the accident that nearly claimed my life and turned me into The Sixty Dollar Man (not sure what the Titanium is worth?).

The journey thus far has been long and arduous. Whilst my left elbow and hand function quite well, the left shoulder has, at best, ten percent (10%) function.

Many people ask me "does that not upset you". The honest answer is, "Of Course" - followed up very quickly by the "what might have beens". In my case I can still sit at the dinner table with my wife and hold both the knife and fork etc. There had been a very real chance that they might have had to remove the left arm.

On Wednesday October 28th I presented the Keynote Address at the Safety Institute of Australia's lead conference in Sydney. The Title of the Presentation was "Oh &#*& , Where'd that come from". Just read this small excerpt from within that Address.

"............Now I  shall return to the situation that has brought us together this morning. The fact that I was bitten so badly by the car that collided with me. When we were last here I was describing the Surgery. As a result, my left arm and shoulder are now heavily reinforced by surgical Titanium. 

I also happened to be hooked up to all sorts of machines and had cables and tubes running all over the place. That, in itself, is quite distressing. Probably the most important tube at that time was the one leading to my right foot. It was hooked up to a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Unit, and was feeding me straight morphine. This little beast was designed to allow me to choose to top up the “juice” every six (6) minutes. There was a countdown timer on the screen. I can tell you I spent a lot of time learning to count backwards. Now you are not supposed to OD using a properly calibrated PCA device. There is one particular day I recall where Anne visited, and all I did was sit in chair…….tubes everywhere…..and rock myself gently in the chair….counting backwards from 360. That is a distressing memory.

The next ten days or so were a mixture of pain, awareness, fears, and questions – the PTSD had not arrived yet; I actually thought I had missed that boat. In the first week one of the highlights of my existence was being provided with a bed that was remotely adjustable, by me. Prior to that every time that Anne left, she would have to wind the bed up; in much the same way as you started a Model T Ford. 

When you are laying in a bed, unable to do almost anything, the ability to raise or lower your pillow actually becomes a benchmark on the road to recovery. I am sure in times of difficulty you may heard someone say something like “don't sweat the small stuff”. The meaning being that the little things are not worth getting upset about; it’s almost like having to wait for the big things. 

Well I am here to tell you that I have experienced the “big things” – and was right in the middle of them. There was very little I could do about them. What I had some control over was the little things. So an applied reality is, that in situations where the majority of our “control” has been removed, and I certainly was in that category, it is the “small stuff” that might show the way toward the “recovery”. So… do not automatically discard the “small stuff”…It needs to be given greater prominence in recovery. Sadly our health systems deliberately pay scant attention to this “small stuff”. 

In New South Wales it has recently been announced that all hospitals shall be directed toward the universal use of pre-packaged frozen foods. This decision rings alarm bells for me. I am reminded of a Kitchen Overseer who was in charge of catering at the Maitland Correctional Centre quite some time ago – this was a maximum security prison. He suggested, and this has been confirmed by every Custodial Officer I have ever met, that if the food is “ordinary”, or there is not enough of it “expect a bad day”. Now I am not saying that a prison and hospital are the same, although the French philosopher Michel Foucault might argue differently. They would both be defined by his nomenclature, as “Total Institutions”

The NSW Minister of Health may not consider the quality and volume of food as being a high priority. Indeed they had been quoted as saying that “the efficiencies we obtain shall release funds for other frontline health services”. Now we all know “efficiencies” means “cheap”….. and “front-line services” might translate to “operations, nurses, doctors etc”. So what we do is remove the “small stuff” to spend more on the “big stuff”. Make no mistake please, I am not saying that this is not a difficult area to manage. It is……….., and because these health systems are dealing with ourselves and our families they are always amongst the most emotive in our communities. 

It is often said though, that you are safer at home than in Hospital. Well of course you are! When you are in Hospital your health has been compromised by some illness, disease, accident etc. Let me put this another way. You are safer at home than in Hospital. Not because you are ill…because you are there. In the United States more people die as a result of their hospitalisation (not their illness, accident, disease, complications etc) than do from Motor Vehicle and Workplace Accidents, Suicides, Falls, Poisoning, and Drowning combined. These are what are called “preventable errors”. The Washington Post reported on April 8^th last year that between 2004 and 2006 there were almost a quarter of a million people (240,000) who died as a result of preventable errors. To put this into perspective this is around three percent (3%) of all admissions – that is a pretty big number! Remember these deaths are not the result of the circumstances etc that put you there. They are all determined to have been “preventable”. Now if we add in those persons whose illnesses etc are actually made worse due to their hospitalisations, and the preventable errors that become part of their treatment, that number well exceeds the millions. It has been estimated at over fifteen percent of all admission in the US , with an approximate worth of two hundred billion dollars+..............

Here is just one of the Comments from the Keynote Address:
"That was one the most powerful presentations I have ever seen. It has really made me think about Risk and Culture in a very different way. When I go back to Work and share this knowledge with my colleagues I know it will strike a chord for them as well. By the way would you consider coming to Canada to present this to the Board?"

Once again if my own story, background etc can add value to your own safety journey, or the journey of those around you, just let me know. I shall do ALL that I can to assist.

I have been asked if I shall place some of the "Keynote Address" on Youtube. An audio only version should happen in the next few weeks.

With my kindest regards