This morning I had an errand to run, which took me through a road construction zone. One intersection, where it previously had the cross-traffic stop, is now a four-way stop, so I stopped. The car coming from the opposite direction didn’t. I know that stop sign has been there for a few weeks, and I have no idea why the other driver didn’t stop. I hope that in the future the other driver is more aware and cautious. Being observant will help him or her…
Be Safe!
Keith Steele

First, since Labor Day is this weekend, please make sure your planning includes safety.

Having grown up on a small farm, I was young when I learned to drive a manual transmission.  I hadn’t owned a vehicle with a stick shift for many years until I got a small truck last fall.  Anyone that has driven a stick shift knows it can be tricky to keep the vehicle from stalling at intersections, which I’ve done only once with this truck.  I knew that was a possibility, so I had in mind what I would do to keep traffic moving.  When I stalled, I restarted so quick that most people probably didn’t even know what I’d done.

Here’s the tie-in.  We don’t use all of our procedures all the time, so it’s a good idea to review them periodically so that when the time comes, we’ll …

Be Safe!

Keith Steele

A front-page headline on my newspaper recently read, “They’re back. Slow down,” with a subheading that said, “Drivers in school zones may get education by citation.” The article states that many schools have started or will be starting soon, and that the local police will be working “to protect the children going back to school.”

My kids are among those that are in school. So I ask you to please use caution as you drive near our schools. For the sake of every child, please …

Be Safe!

Keith S.

Yesterday I had an appointment to keep before coming to work. When I returned home, I started gathering everything I’d need for the rest of the day. Luckily, I remembered to stop and change into my safety shoes. I didn’t “need” them, but I never know beforehand if I will. And it only took me a short minute to change my shoes so I’d …
Be Safe!
Keith S..

I had surgery in 2013, after which I learned I was diabetic. When I heard that I’d be injecting insulin four times a day, I thought I’d never enjoy cake, ice cream or chocolate again. I soon learned that I could still enjoy these treats (addictions?), just in smaller amounts.

Here’s the safety tie-in. When I say “be safe,” I don’t mean we should never do unsafe things, or we could never drive to work, use a backyard grill, go swimming, or enjoy many of life’s niceties (let alone the necessities). When we undertake any dangerous activity, we need to know our capabilities and take steps to ensure that we do it in such a way that we will …

Be Safe!

KEITH

At Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, they have a “Zero Harm” safety campaign. One of their signs reads: “Stop and resolve. Remember to have a questioning attitude, and think things through to ensure our actions are the best choice.” I think that’s sound advice for a hospital, a work center, or for home. I’ll take good ideas from any source when it helps me…
Be Safe!
Keith S.

Once I was moving a heavy table with my family, one of us on each corner, when I heard my son say, “Lift with your legs.”  Maybe it’s only because I’m “the safety guy” at work, but it’s a good feeling to know my son is learning good habits while still young.  Hopefully your family is also learning to …

Be Safe!

KEITH S.

If you had seen me while driving on the freeway last week, you may have wondered why I was wearing a sweatshirt in July.  A simple answer is PPE (personal protective equipment).  I take medications that make me sensitive to sunlight.  (You probably won’t get sunburn from driving for too long, but I could.)  Since I couldn’t find the shirt I wanted to wear, I grabbed my old sweatshirt on the way out the door, and then folded it up when I arrived at my destination.

PPE isn’t for work only.  It only takes a moment to think things through, plan ahead and use what you need for your situation.  Whatever your vulnerabilities are, prepare in advance so you will…

Be Safe!

Keith S.