Safety comes first at Conservation Seeding and Restoration Inc, so when an employee accidentally sent his smart phone through the wood chipper, the question of how it could have been avoided was asked. Safety protocols were being followed, however, as this incident shows, one can never be too safe.
The definition of a “near miss” is an unplanned event that did not result in injury or illness – but had the potential to do so. Only a fortunate break in the chain of events prevented an injury or fatality; in other words, a miss that was nonetheless very near. Although the label of ‘human error’ is commonly applied to an initiating event, a faulty process or system invariably permits or compounds the harm, and should be the focus of improvement. Other familiar terms for these events is a “close call”, or in the case of moving objects, “near collision”.
In order to prevent a near miss, we must understand the ways in which we can correct them and be safe. Possibly the best course of action for prevention in this incident would have been to secure any loose items while operating the wood chipper, keeping unguarded objects away from the job site.
Please use our “near miss” as a reminder of potential job site hazards, and stay safe out there!
Filed under: The Office Tagged: | safety training
