Last week in Part 1, we saw how the South Seas explorer Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy was able to implement an effective five-point safety program to manage the risks of scurvy aboard ship. This was a remarkable accomplishment that Cook would never have been able to pull off without first securing the commitment of his crew. To win the crew over, Cook relayed some frightening statistics regarding scurvy and the chances of surviving a sea voyage.

In some ways, the experiences of Captain Cook in the 18^th century are typical of the challenges faced by today's safety director. Here are some of the lessons to be learned and how they apply to the modern safety profession.

The Importance of Commitment

Cook's plan to deal with scurvy hazards aboard naval vessels was in its essence a workplace safety program. Cook had to win buy-in from the workforce to ensure successful implementation of that program.

Safety directors of today face the same challenge. Based on years of experience in implementing safety programs at numerous corporations, I know the importance of commitment to program success. I have learned that safety programs work best when they have the commitment of the various workplace stakeholders, including top management, labor unions and employees.

Securing Employee Commitment

I'd like to focus on the employee commitment. When I say employee commitment, I'm talking about commitment at the individual level. The safety director should secure the personal commitment of literally each employee.

One way to do this is to have each employee sign a document called a commitment statement. The personally signed commitment statement is not only a consent to work safely, but a license allowing for the personal interaction of employees with their colleagues to work together to identify and eliminate dangerous conditions. This aspect of the safety program also includes a one-on-one (101) hand signal, which allows everyone to interact immediately and clearly, without offense or ambiguity.

Signing the Commitment

The commitment statement should be a solemn covenant. Signing it shouldn't just be a piece of paperwork. It should have the trappings of ceremony. One effective approach is to distribute the statement to employees for signing after a stirring safety presentation on positive interaction and personal responsibility.

Drafting the Commitment Statement

The words and tone of the commitment should also capture the solemnity of a covenant. At this point, I would like to move from Captain Cook to another historical model from the 18^th century. When my company first developed a form of commitment, we modeled it after the American Declaration of Independence. Today's pledge, tailored to each client's needs, is not very different from the original.

THE 101 SAFETY PLEDGE
- Art Fettig 2005

Realizing that we are human, you and I, and that sometimes we forget or just react wrongly, not doing what is right and reasonable for our own safety and for the safety of others; therefore I hereby agree to personally interact with you in a positive manner when I observe you acting unsafely.

I hereby request that you positively interact with me for my own good and safety.

I also promise to be my own best friend and to do a 101 check on myself both on and off duty when I am about to operate any motor vehicle.

Conclusion

Signing of the Declaration of Independence: A historical model for safety directors?

When the American Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, they pledged their lives in the cause of freedom. Their exact words:

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Although the stakes might not seem as high, it's not too much of an exaggeration to liken the principles of the Founding Fathers to those of employees who sign a statement pledging their commitment to the success of the company's safety program.

Space: The Final JHA

Mars: Ray Bradbury Didn't Conduct a JHA.

What information do you need to prepare a Job Hazard Assessment? Well, if the job in question is a mission to Mars, you'll need to know the nitty gritty details of dust.

In its 77-page report, NASA's Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group lists 20 possible risks that could derail a trip to Mars and outlines the data needed to reduce or lower the risks. The top possible risk factors?

• Martian dust - Is it corrosive? Can it affect electrical systems?
• Biohazards - Are there any organisms that might endanger human life during or after the mission?
• Atmospheric dynamics - Will dust storms interfere with landings and takeoffs?
• Lack of water - Are there any fresh sources on the planet?

Source: June 2, 2005 report: "An Analysis of the Precursor Measurements of Mars Needed to Reduce the Risk of the First Human Mission to Mars."

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