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“What’s at stake if something goes wrong?

And how can I consciously

mitigate the risks?”
Justin Ganschow, Caterpillar Safety Expert

Very few industries focus more on safety than It’s this approach that helps create a safety
ours, and for good reason; risk is inherent in the culture at home, especially when it comes to
work we all do. So, to remain safe, daily safety children. It’s always best to be upfront with
briefings, training and PPE are common place. your kids about risks but also to stay positive,
And yet, who of us has made any attempt to you want them to recognize hazards without
apply these practices at home, or even discuss feeling so afraid that they’re unable to act.
with those we love the most, the benefits of a
strong safety culture. The truth is, very few of us. It’s also a good idea to keep things fun, a
game of hopscotch is a way of seeing how
We spoke to Justin Ganschow, Caterpillar well your kids remember important numbers.
Safety Expert about why this is. See if they can hop out the emergency
number or your cell phone number. Pose
“When we’re at work, there’s a safety net helpful questions like, “What number do
because people are watching. But outside of you call if you smell a fire in the house?”
work, either no one is watching, or people don’t
think it’s their job to say anything about safety. Role-playing can also be a great way to practice
So, it’s all on us to make the safe choices. safety skills. You and your child can play
Coupled with this is the fact, when people are pretend that there’s a hurricane or earthquake
overly familiar with a situation or task, they start outside. Make sure to teach them where your
ignoring safety red flags. It’s how the brain works. emergency kit is and where they need to hide.
The first time you do something you spend more
time preparing and thinking consciously about And don’t forget positive affirmation, when you
it. But the more times you do it, you think about see your child doing something safe, such as
it less and it becomes automatic. Your brain putting on a bike helmet without being asked,
conserves energy this way. The hazard hasn’t pause to recognize the good behavior. It can
changed, but our conscious focus on it has.” be as simple as saying “Hey, I noticed you
put on your helmet on your own. Good job!”
Justin’s solution to this is to take a moment
before you get started to ask yourself; What’s We’ll leave the last word to Justin. “Know that
at stake if something goes wrong? And how building a culture of safety, whether at work
can I consciously mitigate the risks? or at home, is a continuous improvement
journey. You don’t have to have it all figured
As he explains, “If we make safety solely about out from the start. But you have to start.
rules and policies without understanding why Safety can be simple, but you have to think
we take precautions (what’s at stake if we get and turn your intentions into action.” ■
hurt), then we’re missing the point and missing
the opportunity to make a real impact.”

Research by the National Safety Council found that 90% of
injuries requiring medical treatment happened off the jobsite.

Cat Magazine 17