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Everything comes with risk

Feb 8, 2012 | 1:07 PM

In everything we do there is risk!

We might not think about or even consider it but as Isaac Newton said for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Can I get hit by a vehicle crossing the street in the middle of the block? Yes, but I might do so because it’s quicker than going to the corner. Wait what’s that smell? Smells like cleaning solution, oh my gosh one of the kids got into the cupboard near the sink. Did they drink some or just spill it on the floor? Quick find the kids!

In a blink of an eye injuries can arise out of the simplest incident. We can not live in a bubble that is perfect free of the potential injury but in our every actions we can do everything reasonable and possible to make sure our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers are safe.

Incidents will happen, elite snowboarders or skiers know that during the run down the hill racing at incredible speeds, they could lose an edge and slide dangerously into an obstacle or be seriously hurt.

But does that prevent them from competing?

No, practice, education and proper equipment give them the skill to successfully accomplish the task.

Using the same thought process our workplaces are typically safe places. Worker education, tools and equipment, legislation and safety procedures make the work place as safe as it can be. While at work on a construction site you would never think of crawling on a rickety old ladder, up onto a slippery roof with a fall protection harness, but why do we do it at home?

Manufacturers give us instructions not to toss in garbage with the old newspapers but for the purpose of being informed on the correct way to do something. The safe way to do something.

Creating a culture of safety is not about limiting what we can and cannot do but it is about understanding the risk, taking precautions to prevent injury, and engaging in the activity in a safe and reasonable manner.

Often, as in our home life, we toss the instructions aside because we think we know how to do it better. We’ve done it hundreds of times that way and nothing has ever happened. The attitude of it’s never going to happen to me cannot be our life motto.

When our children walk out the door to school and as a parent we stand in the window waving goodbye, we should do so knowing they have tools to make smart choices. They will cross at the cross walk and obey the school patrollers (if available) instructions. They will walk and not run as they cross the street. Given the right tools, the right information and plenty of practice good things will come.

We can become a safer culture! Read the labels, wear the gear, talk about being safe, and think about properly storing cleaning chemicals in our homes. All simple steps that can prevent injuries from happening!