Our occupational safety theme this year is Safety as a Part of Every Day.
Many of us will hardly be surprised to learn that the accident rate in Finland is relatively high. We are a nation used to taking care of a lot of things ourselves. The “I don’t need help” mindset is part of the famous Finnish sisu and folklore. Finland was built on sisu, and hopefully we will never lose it.
I also enjoy a good project – my most recent one was to build a cottage on an island. And, of course, I had to do it all myself.
I didn’t always remember to do things safely, and even when I did, I lacked the energy to think it through. But this is just human nature.
In four years of construction work, I went through my fair share of tiredness and frustration. All too often, being tired and rushed, my safety-first approach began to slip. I didn’t always remember to do things safely, and even when I did, I lacked the energy to think it through. But this is just human nature.
Luckily, someone else had their eye on the ball at these moments: “Hey Dad! Why aren’t you wearing your safety goggles?”, “Hey Dad! Put your safety shoes on now!”
There is strength in numbers – it creates safety. Without this, our cottage would still not be finished. Just when I lost focus, my nearest and dearest looked after my safety, thanks to the lessons I had taught them.
I may have regressed to my old habits, but I was also pleased to see that I had managed to pass something on to the next generation.
There are a few months still left of this year. Many homeowners may not yet have finished all their autumn chores, the streets are darker during our commutes, the roads are slippery, and we feel busy and tired.
So let’s challenge our old habits, stay sharp and think safely every day. If a friend or colleague misses something, help them out and keep them safe. Warning is caring!
Wishing you safety every day,
Markku Pöysti
Expert, Occupational Safety
Fingrid
