Office Interior Design Blog |

I want to talk about safety again today. One thing that is easy to overlook when it comes to safety at the workplace, at home, on vacation, or where ever you find your self is safety intervention.

When I read this below it seemed so clear to me the need for intervention in all areas of our lives. 

“I’ve always done it this way and have never been hurt”. 

Consider this accident that resulted in two deaths:  A group of 20 snowmobilers had just completed a rescue of 3 stranded riders.  While returning from the rescue a group of 8 raced ahead.  They stopped to wait for the rest of the rescue party.  These were very experienced riders; qualified to perform mountain rescue.  While waiting for the rest of their group, two riders decided to “joy ride” up a steep slope despite numerous warnings regarding the conditions - perfect for avalanche, not perfect for riding up hill on “fresh snow”.  They did it regardless because EVERY time before this one the response was fantastic - the thrill of riding up a steep slope until gravity forced you to turn back had always produced a thrill; a positive experience.  Their drive for that thrill overshadowed reason.  What about the remaining six?  Were they puzzled and wondering “What are those guys thinking?”.  Yet, no one intervened.

 We have employees that are willing to take risks at work because previous experience had been positive: finished early, less effort, good feedback, results achieved.  The next time they are presented with the opportunity to take that risk there is a chance that the “drive for that thrill” will overshadow reason.  Intervene.  As long as we prepare for these changes and discuss some control options we can stay ahead of the hazards.

Please take a minute to think about this.