There’s a Simpsons episode in which Homer, the plant safety official, is in his kitchen at home complaining that his bosses don’t consider him “safe enough.” As he’s saying this, Homer’s sticking a metal fork into an electric toaster, sending sparks flying!

Although the humor is broad, the point is well-taken: Being a safety professional is not a 9-to-5 job. It’s a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week year-round commitment.

Taking Our Work Home

We often tell our employees that safety awareness doesn’t end when their shift does. It’s the same for us. At work, we’re expected to set the example and provide guidance and expertise needed to enforce our safety programs. But besides being able to quote every page of the company safety manual, the true safety professional continues to talk the talk and walk the walk, away from work.

What We Can Do at Home

Every day, we have opportunities to encourage safe practices outside of the work environment. For example, does your neighbor operate power tools without wearing goggles? Does your spouse wear open-toed shoes when using a weed trimmer? When hanging a picture, does your teenager avoid getting a stepladder and instead reach for the nearest kitchen chair to step on?

But it’s not just about pointing out unsafe practices. We also have the opportunity to demonstrate the safe and proper way to do things – and likely prevent some serious injuries to boot! Just by always wearing protective goggles at home for anything from operating a hedge trimmer to a power saw, we’re sending the message that we consider their use important and necessary. By always using a stepladder, no matter how inconvenient it is to go and get it, we’re demonstrating to everyone that we, the safety professionals, endorse their use in these situations. No speeches or dramatic stories are necessary; we’re leading by example.

Conclusion:

Of course, I’m exposing myself as what Alan Quilley would call a safety geek. But I believe that safety is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week concern. Think about it: How much credence would you give a dietary counselor who stuffs his face with candy and potato chips when off the job? We’re the safety pros. We set the example every day in every way – both on the job and off.

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