The Freedom To Work Safely

We are fortunate to live in a country where we can make personal choices about our lives. One of these choices is to work safely.

In making that choice, we assume responsibility not only for our own well-being, but also for that of our co-workers. We make an effort to learn about the risks that our jobs may entail, and how to avoid or eliminate those risks.

Our nation has laws that are aimed at ensuring the workplace is free of injury and illness — but laws and enforcement efforts cannot by themselves reduce the number of incidents to zero. It takes individual effort to preserve the freedom to work in safety.

Safety rules are not arbitrary dos and don’ts. They were formulated because of a bitter experience. Those who take them seriously and follow them carefully improve their chances of living to a ripe old age without becoming crippled by a needless injury.

Good rules are important to a successful injury prevention program, just as good laws are necessary to a good society. Be thankful for the freedom to work safely.