Sometimes I get replies to my emails that inspire a tidbit. The following was sent to me last month by one of my coworkers:

“When I was doing various chores yesterday after work, the afternoon was getting towards evening, so I was in a hurry to get home and mow the lawn before the rain started to come in the next few days, and also still have enough light to mow. So, while mowing the lawn the upper part of the bag had an open spot where the grass could shoot out from there. It wasn’t a problem until I got about a third of the lawn completed when something flew up and into my eye. I was luckily able to run inside and immediately flush whatever it was out to not cause any permanent damage. But this certainly is a reminder to those using mowers, or any power tools to use the proper eye and ear protection!”
I’ll add that, not only using PPE, but also ensuring our equipment is well maintained can help us …

Be Safe!

Over the weekend, while driving on the freeway, I saw another vehicle drifting a little too much, enough that my family encouraged me to keep my distance. As we passed, my daughter observed, “Yep. He’s texting.” It may not have been texting, but he was definitely distracted by a handheld gizmo.

That driver probably didn’t realize just how obvious it was that something was going on. And I confess. Recently I’ve been driving when I needed to send a text. That’s when I’d hand my smartphone to my son and dictate what I needed to send. In my opinion, that’s the only way to text and drive and still …

Be Safe!

Keith S.

There wasn’t a tidbit last week because I was trying to take some vacation time in California. On Saturday and Sunday, we did a little sightseeing. On Monday, we spent a little time at Disneyland, but not as much as we’d hoped since one of my kids was sick. Tuesday, instead of going to the beach, we took my child to the hospital. It looks like I’ll have to reschedule and plan another vacation.

Despite our best efforts and plans, sometimes a process or procedure will go wrong. If needed, step back, evaluate what the error was, and plan things again. Do whatever it takes to…
Be Safe!
Keith S.

The tidbit last week was about boating and life jackets. I found the following quiz in the information from the Coast Guard, and decided to use it as my tidbit this week.
1. How often should life jackets be tested for proper fit and buoyancy?

A: Every year.

2. How many life jackets are boaters required to have on their boat?

A: One for every person.

3. True or False, life jackets come in only one size and shape?

A: FALSE! Life Jackets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and materials.

4. True or False, life jackets can make it harder to swim if you capsize?

A: FALSE! 84 percent of those who drown, while boating, are not wearing a life jacket.

5. At what age can boaters use inflatable life jackets as an alternative to an inherently buoyant life jacket?

A: 16 years old

Even though I’m not a boater, I thought I knew the basics, but I picked up on a few things from this little quiz. I guess all of us can learn a little something more that will help us …

Be Safe!
Keith S. 

I ran into a coworker over the weekend while he had a grandchild sitting on his shoulders, and I just couldn’t resist using my smartphone to snap a picture.  I also joked that I could use the photo for my tidbit, maybe saying “hold on tight.”  As you notice, I didn’t include a photo.  One reason is that, since the first of the year, I’ve been posting these tidbits on this blog each week.  Since I’m not the “social media” type, I don’t want to post the picture online without his approval.  And I’m also considering the strangers in the background.

What’s the tie-in?  Sometimes safety is presented as an individual benefit – “I need to be safe.”  We should also look at how our safety (or lack of it) will influence or impact the team, the company, the family, or even “innocent bystanders.”  For yourself, yes, always be safe.  But also consider others, and for the sake of everyone, please …

Be Safe!

Over the weekend, I saw a man having fun with his daughter.  (They were using crayons to draw on each other’s face.)  I couldn’t resist taking out my phone and snapping a picture.  It was cute, and we had a chuckle when I showed it to him.

From my perspective, cameras are too convenient, and they make it very easy to document all the moments – charming or embarrassing.  If you ask me, that’s another reason to …

Be Safe!

Keith S.

In late 2013, I received a life-saving organ transplant.  I recently worked the story of my surgery and recovery into a short speech.  I included a few jokes, and last weekend I participated in a speech contest against others from the surrounding areas.  (This is one of my jokes:  “A couple of days after surgery, the surgeon said flatulence was an early sign of recovery.  I had never tried so hard to pass gas in my life!”)

I lost the contest.  (It may be coincidence, but the winner told about his near-fatal heart problem.)  I had spent many hours practicing and refining my information so I’d stay in the time limit.  I’m not overly disappointed with not winning because my main purpose was to use the contest to encourage others to become organ donors.  

What’s the safety tie-in?  Safety is not a win-lose contest.  In my opinion, you are a success as long as you take the time, prepare properly are truly trying to …

Be Safe!

Last week I mentioned that I’m shaving with my left hand, and one of my coworkers suggested, “Buy an electric razor.  Problem solved.”  I appreciate the thoughtful reply, and I welcome the suggestion.  However, I had tried an electric razor many years ago, and I didn’t like it.  I also considered buying one while I was recuperating, but I chose to stay with my “budget” option since I wasn’t working at that time.  I am giving it more thought and I may try an electric razor in the future.

I’ve seen many procedures that are complex and, from my perspective, could be improved.  Most of the time, as I get insight, I come to understand why things are the way they are.  Then again, when I listen to questions and suggestions, I see a new perspective that may improve safety.  As we make and receive suggestions, we need to consider the entire “picture.”  The criteria for any idea or suggestion should be if it will help us …

Be Safe!

Keith S.

In December 2013, I underwent a very long surgery.  My arm was in the wrong position for too long and when I woke up I had paralysis in my right arm.  Over the last 15 months, that has been slowly healing to where now I can do some handwriting and I’m even (slowly) typing.  Since I haven’t regained all the feeling in my right hand, there are still a few things I don’t dare try just yet.  First and foremost is shaving.  I’m leery of having a razor in my right hand so near my throat when I don’t feel I have full control of the razor.  Perhaps someday I’ll have the feeling back and it will feel natural again.  For now, I shave with my left hand.

Everyone has limitations, be it training needed or some other reason.  Keep your limitations in mind as your plan your tasks and projects.  Get expertise when necessary, make adjustments where you can, or take extra time as needed, but always …

Be Safe!

Keith S.