Training and Assessment

[trackerm8]

In all training courses there is a hint on Safety. I think we must refresh our studies and always to remember to be safe at home, work and play. Were would we be without safety?

[KBs PensNmore]

Glad you said a "hint of safety". As far as I'm concerned, there's not enough training on the safety side of things.
I volunteer at the local Day Centre where we have wooodworking machinnery, and I cannot stress enough the safety side of things, yet people still do stupid things. One person was using the drop saw, having the handle in his right hand, reached across with his left hand to grab the piece on the right hand side of the saw. Result a cut on the back of his hand, not enough to require stitches, but that incident closed the shed down for over three months.
Kryn

[Mobyturns]

I agree with KB. To many people become complacent about what they are doing and should take the time to review how they are "working" and is it generally considered "safe" by their peers.

Only a week or so ago while participating in a public open day for a club I witnessed a gent place some timber on a drop/mitre saw and commence the cut immediately. Others were yelling out to stop the machine as we could see the sparks flying as the blade cut into a steel bar as well. It appears that the club had modified the saw with a "stop" and the bar was part of that setup. Beggars belief that 1. the bar could be dislodged into the cutting path of the saw & 2. the user didn't check the saw before use.

[Mr Brush]

Working on various large civil projects around Sydney, we have to complete a "Take 5" checklist before commencing a specific task. This is formalised as a little pocket-sized notebook, in which the crew discuss and note down 5 potential safety issues (and the ways they will be addressed) specific to the job at hand before starting work on it. If nothing else, it does tend to wake people up to the hazards and make them focus on safety.

[rustynail]

As an apprentice, my first boss's opening remark was, "Be careful. Be very careful, because if you have an accident, the damage will fade into insignificance compared to the kick up the ass you get from me." I never forgot it.

[KBs PensNmore]

I got told where I work part time, that if I get injured, the shotgun is on the second shelf and the excavator is next door!!!!