Rich Robben, Executive Director
Photo taken by Lynette Wright

This article provides me the opportunity to write about two topics; workplace safety and workplace honesty. The second is written with regards to an issue that our department needed to address this summer.

Workplace Safety

“Safety First” is a slogan that is often used in corporate safety programs. The term stresses that nothing we do is so important that it should be done in an unsafe manner. I think that most of us agree with that statement. We are very cautious when we know beforehand that we are working on a difficult assignment such as work aloft or in confined spaces or lifting or rigging heavy objects. We have rules and regulations that dictate how to work with high voltages and live circuits, or eye protection when handling chemicals, to mention some examples. We have an excellent safety committee structure that has produced educational and organization methods for reducing injury. In fact these programs and training initiatives have significantly reduced the overall number and severity of workplace injuries.

What I want to emphasize in this article is safety awareness. Here’s why. When analyzing our injury data, we often find that the injuries resulted from a moment of distraction or inattention regarding the specific task or regarding what is happening in the employee’s surroundings. Some examples are; improper positioning of the body before lifting items, or missing a step on a staircase, and forgetting to put on goggles before handing chemicals.

I have asked myself this question, “How do we create an environment which reinforces safety awareness?”

I believe there are at least two initiatives in which we can all participate. First, we need to keep the topic of safety always in the forefront. This can include safety lectures, posters, and training sessions on how to work with the substances and tools that we use. Let’s work together to keep safety issues and practices a part of our common or daily “lingo.”

A second safety awareness initiative will involve each of us on a more personal level. Come to work rested. In addition, keep distractions to a minimum. I am referring to either leaving the cell phone off or to at least stop what you are doing while talking on the radio or cell. In other words, stay focused on that task at hand doing one thing at a time. Wear the proper clothing for the job you’re doing and wear your personal protective equipment. Your safety and well-being are more important to our organization then finishing a task a few minutes quicker.

Workplace Honesty

The second item I want to discuss is honesty in the work place, specifically theft of university assets. There is very little tolerance for any theft of university property or resources. When one of our co-workers chooses to defraud the University, he/she also defrauds each one of us who work here. I say this because all of our reputations are at stake in the “court of public opinion”. We are all demeaned by the one person’s actions.

Again I ask, “What can we do to enhance workplace honesty?” If you are aware of any theft with regard to university property, say something. We recently identified another individual who thought more of himself than the group and was caught stealing materials. We can only bring a stop to this by working together on it. If you don’t want to be identified call the tip line. Remember, “If you see something, say something.” It’s your reputation too!