Bad Habits
Have you developed bad habits over the years? For most of us, the answer is yes. Bad practices develop over time into routine habits, and we often forget or simply do not realize how dangerous some of our actions have become. Lets point out a very common bad habit - failing to put on your seatbelt as soon as you get behind the wheel of any motor vehicle. That seatbelt can save your life not only on the road but on the job as well. Another bad habit is bypassing safety guards on power saws or table saws. Are you guilty? Were you the one who took the blade guard off, or did you wedge a piece of wood in the retractable guard? Saw guards are designed to protect you, but to do so they must be kept in place.
Bad habits relative to electrical tools and cords can be found on most construction sites. Jerking the cord out of the wall socket instead of reaching down to pull the cord out can break off the ground prong or damage the cord where it attaches to the plug. Let’s take a look at a list of common bad habits:
Using a screwdriver as a chisel or pry bar.
Throwing tools or materials.
Horseplay or practical jokes.
Lifting incorrectly.
Not locking out for “just a short job “.
Refueling a hot or running engine.
Using extension cords as ropes.
Not tying off because it will ‘just take a minute”.
Treating hazardous materials casually.
Hitching a ride on a load of material.
This list is a good starting point. Pay attention to what you and your co-workers do each day. Identify the dangerous practices which are, or could become, bad habits. Then remove them from your daily routine.
Resolve to kick your bad habits. Its up to you to break your bad habits before they break you