Safety - The Ripple Effect

Safety - The Ripple Effect: Training

Our approach to safety is created by our shared beliefs, practices and attitudes. This is the foundation of our safety culture at work. Safety is one of the company’s core beliefs: the company is committed to promoting a safe, healthy and positive work environment.

How do we keep our employees safe and our safety culture thriving? When we all participate in promoting a safe, healthy and positive work environment, both large and small efforts that we put forth create a ripple effect. A ripple effect refers to the continuing and spreading results of an event or action. There is often a far-reaching ripple effect of consequences for positive steps that we take towards working safely.

Since our actions can have far-reaching consequences, it’s important to choose actions that promote safety and a positive attitude towards making safe choices. The ripple effect can also carry the consequences of unsafe choices to other team members as well.

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Here’s an example of the ripple effect at work:

Tonya is working with another team member, Angie, in their department. They are moving boxes from one location to another. Tonya notices that Angie is struggling with some of the boxes and is lifting by bending at the waist and increasing her risk of a lower back injury. Tonya could ignore this, but instead she asks Angie if she can help her. Angie is a little surprised at first but agrees.

Tonya shows her how to lift safely and helps Angie move the larger, awkward boxes. Angie appreciates the help. Together Tonya and Angie were able to get the work done faster and avoid a possible injury. Angie also has a more positive impression of the company and her coworkers. She continues to use good lifting practices and even passes on this advice to new team members that she works with in the future. This is the benefit of the ripple effect!

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The ripple effect helps to pass safe habits on to colleagues. It’s important to understand that our actions have an impact beyond the scope of general day-to-day activities. When we consider the ripple effect of our actions, we share a feeling of responsibility, to complete one’s best work for ourselves and our fellow team members.

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What kind of ripple effect will you make? Is it pervasive in a good way? Let your work have a larger positive effect on your company. Work with those around you to have a positive effect that reaches far past the immediate jobsite, office, or location they work in.

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By following these best practices, you are more prepared to use the ripple effect to share the positive impact of your good choices and promote a safe, healthy and positive work environment.

It is our goal to create a safe and healthy workplace, and you are a big part of that plan! Following guidelines and working safely are important ways that you contribute to workplace safety.

Always remember - If you see something, say something. Let a supervisor know if you have any safety concerns or questions.

Now you are ready to take the quiz!