While this is National Safety Month, at ARC we believe that every month should be Safety Month. Sustainable safety plans ultimately stem from a safety-conscious culture. That's why we bake safety principles into every aspect of our services and lives — and we encourage our clients and the public to do so as well.
What is safety and how can we embrace safe practices in our daily lives? The key is to focus on prevention. Rather than assuming that "it won't happen to me," strive to minimize risk and proactively encourage safety in every activity.
Pools and Water Safety
Many people assume that you can't drown in shallow water. Sadly, that's not true. Wherever there's water, there's a chance of drowning.
Always practice safety around pools and bodies of water.
If someone is a poor swimmer, they should wear a flotation device.
Avoid running or getting intoxicated.
Keep any electrical equipment far away from the water.
Driving and Vehicle Safety
The number of driving incidents has risen dramatically, especially among teens. The popularity of mobile devices along with speedier cars is a toxic combination. To stay safe, everyone must embrace safe driving principles:
Drive within the speed limit and obey all posted signage.
Drive defensively, not offensively.
Wear a seatbelt.
Know how to operate the vehicle during hazardous weather conditions — or better yet, pull off the road until conditions improve.
Speaking of cars, there has been a tragic increase in the number of heatstrokes among kids and pets who are left in vehicles. Never leave your child or pet in your car, no matter how short a time. Temperatures can rise quickly and cause serious harm.
Exercise and Hobby Safety
Especially during the lockdown, many people took up new hobbies, from welding and auto work to Crossfit and aerial fitness. Any activity that involves physical exertion or dangerous equipment without proper supervision can present a safety risk.
Be cautious in your workout routine or recreational activity:
Use only equipment rated for the activity in question.
Always have a buddy nearby to help in case of an emergency.
Know your limit and pace yourself accordingly.
Use personal protective gear when working with toxic chemicals or power tools.
Safety As a Way of Life
There is never any shame in prioritizing safety. If something feels unsafe, take the time to make it safe or abstain from the activity. It's always better to be safe than sorry!
Our team at ARC believes in "off-the-clock" safety. Even if you're not doing something objectively risky, take the time to check your safety. That includes driving your car, doing work on your house, using chemicals, and even exercising! It only takes a second for something to go wrong, with months or even years of harmful effects. Just a few moments of prevention can prevent all of that.
We encourage safe behaviors 24/7 — and we urge you to do so as well! Even if you feel confident in an activity, there's always a risk of harm. By actively reducing your risk and implementing safety guidelines, you can keep yourself safe and healthy.
Comentarios