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Accidents
Don't Happen
July
9, 2010
Behind
every tragic accident there often lurks a preventable event. Looking  ahead can help to prevent a lifetime of
regret and a devastating business loss.
Stop
the press. These words
typically herald the excitement of breaking news. War has ended
… or war has begun. Either way, the press must be stopped
for a new headline. Early in our career, though, we stood witness as
the press had to be stopped because a workman’s arm had been
caught in the fast moving equipment. How did it happen? He was wearing
a long-sleeved shirt.
Planned
accidents. Most workplace
accidents follow a familiar script. A shortcut was taken. Safety
regulations were ignored. Machinery was used for the wrong purpose or
incorrectly. Common sense was abandoned. Start with any of these
actions, and the first part of a plan that leads nowhere good has been
put into place.
Taking charge.
The term “accident” implies helplessness. It
suggests that unavoidable misfortune has been brought to bear by cruel
fate. While this system of classification may lessen feelings of guilt
and self-recrimination, it perpetuates a cycle of personal and
financial loss. With consequences ranging from missed workdays to
missed birthdays, we are challenged to believe less in fate and more in
our own ability to control the future. Change the narrative to change
attitudes.
Build
in time. Whatever business
you are in, personal and business risks are increased when time is cut
out of workflow. Build adequate time into all processes, and
communicate this message to staff. Time is our friend in all things but
grief, and grief is what we are trying to prevent.
Advocate
safety. Champion safety
just as vigorously as you champion profit. Accidents are expensive.
Break
it down. All work is a
series of actions. And each action drives what comes next. Start by
getting staff to think about the actions they are taking. Identify
places the process can break down.
Tell
the truth. There is nothing
pretty about what comes after many accidents. Play the video below
to view graphic
representations of workplace accidents. After first
viewing them yourself, share with your staff according to your own
discretion.
Source = http://www.trendhunter.com/youtube/MwCyVku1HvI
In keeping with our Casual
Fridays theme, this information is not copyright protected. Want to
join the conversation? We’d love to hear from you.
 About
KMRD Partners, Inc. –
KMRD Partners, Inc. is a full service
Property & Casualty broker serving
the commercial property and casualty insurance market from offices in
the Philadelphia, PA region. Their mission statement,
“Making a difference by Managing the Cost of Risk”,
is a unique approach that focuses not just on insurance placement, but
coverage expertise, service accountability, client education and risk
management.
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of Fame
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KMRD News
2600 Kelly Road,
Suite 300, PO Box 755
Warrington, PA 18976
1-866-957-KMRD (5673) Fax 267-482-8431
www.kmrdpartners.com
Reducing the Cost of Risk
- One Client at a Time
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