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Are you a team player?



Reflecting on the recent Francie incident (I use this word intentionally) it got me thinking. Am I a team player when it comes to safety? Shifting through the archives of my memory I draw on the conclusion I am possibly not. 

A harsh reality to contemplate. But they do say the truth is always hardest to bear. 
Why not I hear you say? Well I like to think I play well with others. I like to think I engage with others on safety initiatives. I like to think I follow all safety instructions when provided. 
So why don't I think I am a team player? Well how many times had I seen some unsafe acts and walked passed. How many times did I tell myself... 'not my issue' when I knew they could be doing it better. 

When I was in business, the sad truth was if a competitor had an incident outwardly it would be all 'thoughts are with'. But inwardly thinking how could I capitalize on their mistake? What could I get out of it?

Now that is not being a team player. 

Just like that tragic day. How many people heard that the Francie was trying to cross (the bar) earlier in the day and said nothing? How many people knew he was out beyond the bar and not suggested he came back earlier? How many people knew of his intentions that morning and said nothing?
It was uplifting to hear some had, had words previously. 
How would they have answered the question 'are you a team player when it comes to health and safety?'

I know what I would do now. But interesting reflecting back and thinking what would I have done had I been in the position to know someone was about to, or was doing something that could end in tragedy. 

I believe wholeheartedly healthy and safety is a team sport. We can't do it on our own.
If left to our own devices we can and will make mistakes, and that is why we all need help.
I know there is still room for improvement, however with a new sense of ambition to be a health and safety team player, watch out world my team is coming.
Now go on... ask yourself the question. Are you a team player when it comes to health and safety. 
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