Six Lessons From A Disaster.

These six lessons were derived from the finding of the investigation of a major disaster. If we do not learn from them, we will repeat them – to the detriment to life, health, profits and the environment.

Failure to stop work after encountering multiple hazards and warnings. A stop-work policy should be written and enforced. Continuing to work while a problem “is being fixed” is an invitation to disaster.

Failure to fully assess the risks associated with operational decisions and to ensure all risks are as low as possible. Conduct at least a minimal risk assessment and management. Read our four-part series that starts here: http://safetyrich.blogspot.com/2011/06/risk-management-part-1-of-4.html

Failure to consider contingencies and mitigation while making cost- or time-saving decisions. Almost all cost- or time-reducing actions also reduce safety. Protecting the health and well-being of workers should always prevail.

Failure to have full supervision and accountability over all activities in a work area. Abdication of control is abdication of commitment to a safe environment.

Failure to document, evaluate, approve and communicate changes associated with personnel, equipment, process and operations. A complete change management program identifies what new hazards could be created with the change.

Failure of have a common integrated approach to safety with contractors and employees. Contractors, supervisors and employees may each have their own idea of what safe means.  A safety program not fully enforced or followed may be more hazardous that not having any program. Employees can be willing to take risks, but they should live and breathe safety.

See our Web site: SafetyRich