A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

by Dr. Isabel Perry, “The Safety Doctor”

408 words

Have you ever spent twenty minutes searching for a missing screwdriver that you’re sure you left “right there?”   That screwdriver could be the file you made for a major project, the chemicals you used to clean something, or your car keys.  Whether you are at home or work, organizing things and putting them back after use not only saves time and effort when you need to find them again, but is also a way to stay safe from injury.  An orderly work area contributes a great deal to your safety.

If you are one of those people who look at a mess and say, “I know where everything is,” you may one day become part of a national statistic.  Let’s look at some of the statistics:

¨      Disabling injuries at home and work combined reach over six million a year

¨      25,000 are killed in home accidents annually

¨      14,000 are killed on the job annually (3,000 of these deaths are caused by falls)

Falls often result from tripping over equipment or tools left in aisles or work areas, wet spots on the floor, or trash and other articles left on stairs. Everyone should help keep the work area clean and free of clutter or debris.  If you throw a wad of paper at the trash can and miss, get some exercise: walk over, bend down and pick it up!

Don’t pick up broken glass or nails with your bare hands.  Put on gloves, or use a broom and dust pan.  When you see a mess, don’t walk by and think, “Someone should get that.”  You wouldn’t want anyone else to get hurt, would you?

You don’t like cleaning up someone else’s mess, and they probably feel the same way about you! Clean up after yourself.  If your work area has been neglected for a long time, it may take a little bit of effort to clean up and get organized, but it will be well worth the effort.  The next time you need your tools for a job, they will be right where you expect them to be.  It takes much less time to clean up, and to get started on projects, when things are where they’re supposed to be.

REMEMBER

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING - AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

Dr. Isabel Perry is an internationally-known safety expert, motivational speaker, author, and safety educator.  Based in Orlando , Florida , she can be reached at 407-291-1209 or via e-mail at [email protected]