-Carola Mittag
According to Greek mythology, the names of the Three Fates were Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. Life is woven by Clotho, measured by Lachesis and the thread of life is cut by Atropos. The Fates are most frequently represented as a trio of goddesses who shape the destiny of each human, often expressed in textile metaphors such as spinning fibers into yarn, or weaving threads on a loom.
If we believed in and lived our lives based on the three fates, there would be no need for caution, education, or any other preparation for living because, as the song says, Que sera, sera, which is often interpreted as meaning whatever will be, will be. Que sera, sera is a phrase that carries the connotation of leaving one’s life in the hands of fate.
I don’t know about you dear readers, but what I do know is this, had I lived my life based on fate, I wouldn’t be here today to put my thoughts to paper. As intelligent as we believe ourselves to be, we must rely on outside sources for guidance, instruction, and leadership. What a chaotic world this would be if we were all left to our own resources to figure out the intricacies of the stages of our lives.
September is a good time to refocus on our activities and evaluate how, based on the past eight months, we have navigated our workplaces and workspaces. Most of us have been affected by the pandemic and retooled how we live and how, if not where we work. We did not believe in or lived by “whatever will be, will be”. We relied on the knowledge of experts to educate and guide us through some very dark days.
Having been out of the classroom for extended periods, kids are back in school ready to learn new things after being given refreshers. With vacations over, workers must also refresh their skills and knowledge or learn new ones to ensure they return home safely to their families each day.
Several years ago I published a thought-provoking piece entitled PUPPY DOGS AND KITTENS GET ALL THE ATTENTION! As you read the following passage really let the message sink in and think about those closest to you. Remember that everyone has someone whom they care about or who cares about them!
PUPPY DOGS AND KITTENS GET ALL THE ATTENTION!
What about me? I’m your daughter, son, brother, sister, mother, father, wife, husband, neighbor, and best friend!
Whose responsibility is it anyhow? Do you care?
WHAT IF……YOU were a worker in your company and…….
- YOU fell off a ladder and injured your back
- YOU were electrocuted because a machine wasn’t locked out
- YOU slipped on oil and broke your arm, leg or neck
- YOU had to enter a confined space
- YOU had to be on the road to support your family
- YOU had to work with asbestos
- YOU worked near dangerous chemicals or acids
- YOU had to work under harassment and/or violence
- YOU worked in high places
- YOU operated heavy equipment
- YOU had to lift heavy objects
- YOU were exposed to lead at work
- YOU had to operate large conveyor systems
- YOU worked with boilers
- YOU handled compressed gas cylinders
- YOU did the same work repetitively every day
- YOU were a new, young and inexperienced worker
- Would you want to do any of these jobs without proper training?
- Would you let a family member to do these jobs without proper training?
- Would you let a Ministry inspector perform one of these jobs without proper training?
Ask yourself: Should they be doing that; would I let myself do that?
“The heart of the question is … whether we are going to treat our fellow human beings [sic] as we want to be treated.” John F. Kennedy 1963
Employees are a company’s greatest asset! As a responsible employer, director, supervisor or manager, doing what is right is the very least you can do for your workers!
We cannot rely on the three fates or whatever will be, will be!
Watch for next month’s Blog published in the first week of October.
Sincerely,
Carola Mittag
Consultant and Editor for Mentor Safety Consultants Inc.