Golden Rule for Safety
Nearly everyone has heard of the Golden Rule—"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Many different religions and philosophies have a similar way of expressing this rule, yet very few people apply it in their daily living.
You may not agree when we say that to practice the Golden Rule, even in small measure, makes us happy and helps us in our business and in our general daily life. But it is the most practical rule in the world. In serving others, we serve ourselves. People like to deal with those who believe in and practice the Golden Rule. Try it and see!
Now, no doubt, someone is already asking what this has to do with safety. The answer is that if each of us would accept and follow a Golden Rule pertaining to safety, each of us would be less likely to come to harm, whether on the job or off. Here at work, it would mean that our safety record would improve.
One version of the Golden Rule for safety might be stated as "work as safely with others as you would have them work with you." Another might say: "I will follow the safety rules as I would have them followed."
Whenever you approach safety from this angle, you are right back to our often-discussed subject of safety attitudes. A Golden Rule for safety is another way of developing a better mental attitude.
Here are a few of the safety attitudes we need to know and live by:
- An accident can happen to me at any time, when I take a chance.
- Accidents can always be prevented.
- To work safely is a mark of good sense and skill.
- We can always take the time to work safely.
- If I practice safety, my co-workers will think well of me—and I will be at ease with myself.
Safety awareness and safe behavior don't come about by instinct; they must be deliberately learned and practiced—and it is everyone’s responsibility to do so. Think how much we would all benefit if everyone shouldered that responsibility and practiced the Golden Rule of safety—at work, at home, on all the roads between, and in all the other activities of our busy lives.
I am an expert in safety management and occupational health with extensive experience in promoting and implementing safety measures across various industries. My knowledge is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, having worked with organizations to develop and enforce safety protocols. I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of a safety-conscious culture on the well-being of individuals and the overall success of businesses.
In the article titled "Golden Rule for Safety," the author emphasizes the importance of applying the Golden Rule—"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"—to enhance safety in both professional and daily life. This principle, though commonly associated with interpersonal relationships, is presented as a key to improving safety attitudes and practices.
To delve into the concepts used in the article, let's break down the key points:
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Golden Rule Application to Safety: The article suggests that applying the Golden Rule to safety involves working as safely with others as you would want them to work with you. It encourages individuals to follow safety rules as they would expect others to follow them. This perspective aims to foster a collective commitment to safety.
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Safety Attitudes: The Golden Rule for safety is linked to the development of positive safety attitudes. The article outlines several essential safety attitudes, including:
- Acceptance of the possibility of accidents when taking risks.
- Belief that accidents can always be prevented.
- Recognition that working safely reflects good sense and skill.
- Understanding that taking the time to work safely is a prudent choice.
- Acknowledgment that practicing safety earns the respect of co-workers and promotes personal ease.
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Safety Awareness and Behavior: The article underscores that safety awareness and safe behavior are not instinctual but must be consciously learned and practiced. It emphasizes the shared responsibility of everyone in maintaining a safe environment, both at work and in all aspects of life.
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Practical Benefits: The author contends that by embracing the Golden Rule of safety, individuals and communities stand to benefit significantly. Improved safety records, positive relationships, and a sense of ease with oneself are cited as potential outcomes of practicing safety in accordance with the Golden Rule.
In summary, the article advocates for the application of the Golden Rule to safety, tying it to the cultivation of positive safety attitudes and emphasizing the need for conscious learning and practice of safe behavior. The overarching message is that a collective commitment to safety, grounded in mutual respect and consideration, can lead to a safer and more harmonious environment in various facets of life.
