Simple Safety Phrases Are Important to Remember

Last week, I was in Chicago with Steve Miller, one of our senior loss control representatives. Steve and I have been working on a small project we call “5-word safety messages.” Basically, because people tend to remember phrases or statements with five or fewer words, we decided to develop a list of simple safety messages that would be easy to remember.

We're pretty excited about the project, but we're not the only ones. In fact, one contractor is so excited about our 5-word safety messages, they are working on a system to incorporate them into their communications. For example, if they send out a work order for an employee to go pick up materials on a job, the work order may include the message, “Avoid twisting back when lifting.”

Here is a list of phrases we have been putting together that we would like to share with you:

1. Need help lifting? Call office.
2. Check your tire pressure today?
3. Slow down! School starts today.
4. Inspect your ladder every day.
5. Exceeding the speed limit? Why?
6. Thanks for working safely today.
7. Freezing temps—black ice possible.
8. Jump off dock = bad idea.
9. Aggressive driver nearby? Stay clear.
10. Keeping your windshield clean?
11. Texting and driving never mix.
12. Need safety glasses? Call foreman.
13. Safety vest faded? Order replacement.
14. Check twice, then back up.
15. Got enough following distance?
16. Keep hand grips clean.
17. Got a safety question? Ask!
18. Had your vision checked recently?
19. Brakes not right? Report it.
20. Report all injuries promptly.
21. Watch out for powerlines.
22. Safety shoes save your toes.
23. Please keep your cab clean.
24. Bicyclist in roadway? Move over.
25. Wear hard hat every day.
26. Drive now, answer phone later.
27. Use handrails on stairways.
28. Distracted walking leads to injuries.
29. Are all your lights working?
30. Reduced visibility? Please slow down.
31. On roadways, tailgaters never win.
32. Increased following distance avoids crashes.
33. Caution! Black ice possible today.
34. Hot weather today? Stay hydrated.
35. There’s always time for safety.
36. Your safety is worth it.
37. Is your extinguisher charged?
38. Never tamper with safety devices.
39. Safety is everyone’s job.
40. Shortcuts get people hurt.
41. Never remove a safety guard.
42. Something not right? Report it.
43. When in doubt, call supervisor.
44. Are your mirrors adjusted properly?
45. Check electrical cords for fraying.
46. Don’t test blades with fingers.
47. Watch for sharp corners.
48. Never stand on a bucket.
49. Always follow lockout/tagout procedures.
50. Label your containers please.
51. Remember, 3 points of contact.
52. Loose jewelry causes injuries.
53. OTC drugs can cause drowsiness.
54. Look up before climbing ladder.
55. Never walk under raised loads.
56. Shiny floors could be wet.
57. Spill? Please clean it up.
58. Always keep exits clear.
59. Know where the eye wash is.
60. Look out for your coworker.
61. Close your knife after use.
62. Safety requires constant improvement.
63. That container needs a label.
64. Flammable liquids can ignite rapidly.
65. Gas cylinders need their caps.
66. Mixing chemicals means taking chances.
67. In emergency, call 911 first.
68. Know capacity of your equipment.
69. Tool broken? Then replace it.
70. Got enough light to see?
71. Never ignore a warning label.
72. Never skip stairway steps.
73. Know where nearest clinic is.
74. Machine jammed? Call maintenance department.
75. Know how to use extinguishers.
76. Distracted drivers risk everything.
77. Replace scratched safety glasses.
78. Leaf piles could contain children.
79. Can you stop in time?
80. Unattended trucks should be locked.
81. Drive like a professional today.
82. Feeling stressed? Take a minute.
83. Bending rules can break them.
84. Learn from your mistakes.
85. Only pass when it’s necessary.
86. Never lean on a railing.
87. There’s never enough safety.
88. Got emergency supplies on hand?
89. Drowsy driving is impaired driving.
90. Wear safety glasses around batteries.

If you would like to add to our list, please feel free to send suggestions to me at john@acuity.com, because we all have a part in safety. By the way, Acuity’s simple statement is “Our focus is you.”