Protecting Other People

Have you stopped to think about how something you do might make others less safe?

Sept. 7, 2021

Unsafe acts are usually thought of in the context of harming oneself or being harmed by the unsafe acts of others.

Have you stopped to think about how something you do might make others less safe? For example, you are terminating several bundles of cable in a set of panels. That means stripping many wires and ejecting many tubular bits of insulation all over the floor. This creates a condition where someone else’s shoe may suddenly slide across a bunch of these insulation bits. Do you need to stop periodically to pick up insulation bits? No, you have other options.

For example, you can eject into a wastebasket; even if you occasionally miss the basket, the hazard might be eliminated. Even better, you can rope off the area. This will also protect people from other things you might do (e.g., drop a tool while above them on a ladder).

Roping off an area is one of the best things you can do to protect others. Think of it as a first resort, not a last one.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.