Hopefully the severe winter period with snow is now behind us which will improve safety conditions on sites. However, this should not lead to any relaxation as our inherent vulnerability actually remains the same. So, let’s make sure we all lead by example and always adopt the safety essentials: STOP, THINK & CHECK, stepping in when we observe any risks or improper behaviour.

I would like to insist on the concept of “keeping oneself out of the line of fire”. The very severe incident in Poland, where an employee was crushed against a truck by his loading shovel which rolled away as he fitted a towing bond between the two vehicles, could have been avoided if the concept of “keeping oneself out of the line of fire” had been applied. Towing a vehicle is an exceptional task that should trigger a “Stop, Think & Check” mental reaction rather than trying and doing the task on the fly. No urgency, no economic imperative should lead anyone to put himself/herself at risk.

Let’s always think about our own vulnerability and plan properly any non-routine task.

I wish you all a safe week.

Take care.

Michel