The Joint Safety Committee encourages everyone to be on the lookout for hazards. Before and during a task, always stop and think about what could go wrong, what are the right tools for the job, and what do you have to do to make it safe. Once you have finished your initial assessment, consider how to reduce the risks & make the situation safe.

QUESTION: Can you spot the hazard in this photo? Look VERY closely at the terminals….

ANSWER: PAUL “EAGLE EYES” ROUSSON - was on a client site and noticed this transformer. He thought something wasn’t right and upon further investigation he realized that there was a socket wrench left connected to the transformer. The risk existed that it could fall and hit a worker during maintenance causing serious injury or even cause an electrical fault if it fell off and made contact with another terminal. Paul reported it to his site contact and the client took appropriate steps to remove the hazard. Paul has demonstrated that he is thinking safety – not only to us at Fransen but also to our client. Well done Paul!

Fransen Engineering is a strong supporter of EWB and recently donated $800 to the local Vancouver Chapter as part of EWB’s Week-to-End Poverty campaign!  In May, one of our own, Harish Raisinghani was elected President of the Vancouver Professional Chapter with Mark Abbott leading the Workplace Outreach programs.  Upcoming events include a Run to End Poverty (as part of the Scotiabank half-marathon on June 28, 2009) monthly development drinks and potentially a large ‘Fair-Trade Fair’ in the fall. 

Please check out www.vancouver.ewb.ca or talk with Harish or Mark about events or getting involved with the chapter.

FOR AN UNPLANNED OR UNFORESEEN EVENT TO TAKE PLACE

THERE HAS TO BE POTENTIAL.

«  Hazard:  a condition or change in circumstances that presents a potential for injury, illness or property damage.

«  Accident:  an unfortunate event often the result of carelessness, complacency or lack of knowledge.  An unforeseen and unexplained event usually resulting in an unfavorable outcome.

«  Key words in these definitions:  Unplanned, Unforeseen, Unfortunate, Unfavorable, and most important POTENTIAL.

«  Not recognizing the Potential for Hazards, complacency or taking things for granted are the cause of a tremendous number of injuries each year.

«  Recognizing hazards and doing something about them is everyone’s responsibility.

Questions To Consider Prior To Starting Work:

«  Do I have the right tools and have I inspected my tools and equipment for damage?

«  Has the work been laid out to provide safe completion of the job?

«  Do I understand the Potential Hazards associated with the material, tools and/or equipment required to complete the work?

«  Do I require any additional PPE or have we looked for a safer way to complete the work?

«  Are all necessary guards, barricades, permits or signage in place and posted?

«  Have written procedures been reviewed, understood and posted?

BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND MAKE YOUR CHOICES CAREFULLY