One common educational theme throughout my time in Ohio State University Extension has been safety education. It has taken a variety of appearances − pesticide application safety, livestock handling safety, sun safety, food safety and more.
Everyone has their own tolerance for risk taking. We generally become more risk adverse with age because of our personal experiences or the observed experiences of others. A healthy approach to safety allows for progress and innovations to be made while balancing a concern for the well-being of yourself and others.
June is National Safety Month. Paul Robbins at the Western Area Power Administration in Colorado has some great insights on how our mindset influences our actions. Some mindsets can more likely lead to error and injury. These include rushing, complacency, fatigue and frustration. This is certainly the case with a power company or a manufacturing facility and it is equally important for those of us on farms, in our homes and on the road.
Have you ever been in a hurry to get something done? Especially something you’ve done dozens or even hundreds of times before? Robbins suggests we think about the consequences of rushing and how we might react when we notice.
The temptation is to rush on routine tasks. A key is to recognize when you begin to rush, consider the risks and focus on the moment. Where are you tempted to rush? Is it speeding through a familiar stretch of road? Putting equipment away before checking it over? Carrying just a few too many items down the stairs to avoid another trip?
Another risky mindset is complacency. This is when our brain goes on autopilot or when we skip steps in a process and take shortcuts. Other ways you might see this demonstrated is with frequent close calls or communication issues. The remedy for this is to increase focus. Robbins shares that one way you can avoid working on autopilot by changing your routine or elements of your schedule when possible and safe.
Are you aware of distractions? The number one distraction on the job and while driving continues to be the smart phone. When you are driving, only use a phone with hand-free capabilities. It is Ohio law. You cannot hold a phone in your hand or on your lap while driving. That includes making phone calls, texting, entering information into map apps or viewing social media.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Fatigue can cause weariness, sleepiness, irritability, reduced alertness, impaired decision making and lack of motivation, concentration and memory.” Approximately 35% of adults report sleeping less than seven hours per night. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 39% of adults in Coshocton County do not get adequate sleep. Even more, a 2023 Gallup poll found 20% of Americans report getting five or less hours of sleep per night.
We may immediately think fatigue reduction includes getting more sleep. And while that is true, it also includes staying hydrated, exercising and making healthy food choices.
During our parent and teen communication classes, we discuss recognizing emotions and regulating our responses. It does not surprise me the final mindset Robbins identifies is frustration. Frustration is defined as “the feeling of irritability or anger because of the inability to achieve something.”
We are unfortunately surrounded by many people who demonstrate unhealthy responses to their frustration. When they are irritated, people can make rash decisions that create unsafe situations for themselves and others. Sometimes, accepting a situation for what it is can calm things down.
Identifying and addressing the mindsets that lead to error and injury can help protect yourself and others.
Today, I’ll leave you with this quote from an unknown author: “Working safely may get old, but so do those who practice it.”
Emily Marrison is the OSU Extension Family & Consumer Sciences educator in Coshocton County and assistant professor at The Ohio State University. She may be reached at 740-622-2265 or marrison.12@osu.edu.
This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Emily Marrison: A look at how your mindset influences your actions
Reporting by Emily Marrison / Coshocton Tribune
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