We all like to be healthy, feel good, and make money in our business pursuits. So sometimes, when faced with preventive measures, we tend to flow in the path of least resistance (no pun intended). All you want is to make a profit, right? But then the van transmission goes out, an angry customer demands his money back, your best technician quits, and there’s that mechanic who’s always trying to sell you new tires every time you get an oil change… you get the picture. These things can really set you on edge, causing you to pinch every penny in an attempt to make a profit.
Let’s be honest. Sometimes safety can feel like another hurdle to jump over that ultimately slows your business to a crawl. But let me tell you a quick story that demonstrates why this is type of thinking is flawed.
Back in the 1970s, there was an upholstery factory in Columbus, Ga. Money was flowing, and business was booming. Everyone in the factory was happily cutting and stacking upholstery to be used in an upcoming order until one day an explosion changed everything. After hearing the loud boom, many workers rushed out of the building as the factory filled with smoke as isolated fires broke out. Noticing everyone wasn’t out of the building, one man ran back in to tell workers in the basement to evacuate. As they made their way out of the burning structure, another, bigger explosion occurred, leaving many more people trapped inside. Those still left in the basement, including the person who ran in to save them, found a man lying underneath a table, after the fires had been put out and the smoke had cleared. That man was my grandfather, Marvin Talbot. He, along with several others, died at the upholstery plant that tragic day. Unlike many children my age, I grew up without a grandfather, and the loss still affects my family to this day.
Later, after conducting a fire investigation, authorities determined the second explosion was preventable. Caused by dust particles from the upholstery the workers were cutting, the fire would not have occurred if the company had simply installed a dust collection system.
Most of us have undoubtedly seen or experienced unsafe conditions at work. The bottom line is we cannot overlook these hazards. It is our duty to protect the men and women working every day in our trade. It’s not just about money; it’s about what we stand to lose if we don’t protect ourselves. Our fellow colleagues who have lost their lives to on-the-job accidents in this industry serve as the greatest reminder that no one is invincible in the workplace.
Following are some safety tips that have worked well in our business:
1) Consider implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE).
2) Give awards based on safety as well as performance.
3) Perform random job-site visits to ensure safety culture acceptance.
4) Set goals for your team to lower your rate of frequency of incidents.
5) Consider using pit boards in attics to avoid falling through ceilings.
6) Implement the “Circle of Safety” (e.g., everyone at your company looks out for each other) for all employees.
Remember that frequency often relates to severity. Thus, if you want to spot an accident waiting to happen, inspect the tasks you do the most. Starting a safety culture at your business — and making sure everyone leads by example — is the first step in boosting safety awareness among all employees.
Talbot is a licensed, master electrician in Georgia, where he was born and raised. He has been in the industry for 17 years and is currently the operations manager for Mister Sparky Atlanta, where he manages a team of technicians. In his spare time, he plays with his kids, volunteers, and is flipping his fourth house. He can be reached at [email protected].
