-Carola Mittag
No matter how old your child, when they receive accolades for having done something well, it is alright to be a proud mama.
My 46 year old son works for one of the largest employers in Niagara Region. His official title is Property Maintenance Lead. In this position he has responsibility for hiring people to work alongside him in various and diverse jobs. Very little is repetitive; oftentimes decisions must be made on-the-fly, as when an emergency situation arises at any of the properties for which he is responsible.
Recently, for the first time in three years (because of the pandemic), his employer held a two-day safety conference at which educational safety seminars and sessions were offered and at which employees were recognized for their part in in maintaining a safe work environment. On the crystal award that my son received is this inscription: Awarded to an individual who shows dedication, commitment and lives by the values of our Superior Safety Culture.
There is so much to say about recognition.
- The employer is to be commended for promoting health and safety and acknowledging the health and safety performance of its employees.
- An employee who receives this kind of recognition will, without doubt, continue to work in a fashion that keeps his/her own safety topmost in mind in all work tasks.
- An employee who receives this kind of recognition will also ensure and encourage coworkers to always work safely.
- An employer’s recognition is its statement of commitment to continually monitor the state of health and safety of its People, its Equipment, the Materials, the Environment and the Processes (PEMEP). Each of these factors must be considered when recognizing, assessing, and controlling hazards. When an employer does this, the workplace will be healthy and efficient.
Understandably, my son and I have had many conversations around health and safety. On several occasions he has given me examples of where written health and safety policies collide with practicality and even common sense. When I had my own health and safety company this was probably the most often voiced complaint by workers. I always tried to explain that laws, regulations and rules are written in response to things that have happened and cannot be applied to unprecedented situations that have not yet occurred. However, I found this quote by Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd U.S. President which I believe makes sense and may help explain why and how law is created: Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their construction.
Common sense can help formulate laws, but laws cannot help someone have common sense. It is for those, who lack common sense, that the laws are written.
My son is wise, has common sense and understands the underlying reasons for the law. I trust, that when he must make an on-the-fly decision, he will base that decision on situational common sense and law.
Watch for next month’s Blog published in the first week of April.
Sincerely,
Carola Mittag
Consultant and Editor for Mentor Safety Consultants Inc.