28. Think Safe. Work Safe.

 
Know and practice the safety procedures for your job. Watch out for the safety of your teammates as well, for we’re all part of the Famous Family. Never take shortcuts that compromise your safety or that of your teammates.

Josh's Message:

 

I think that when most people hear “Safety”, they automatically start thinking about different policies, procedures, or Personal Protective Equipment. Many people view safety as a “have to”, rather than a “want to”. There are many aspects of safety, and it’s easy to overlook its importance. . . We all need to go home to our families at the end of the day, and also be in good health.

Safety deals with the little things. It’s rarely one big mistake that leads up to an accident. It’s usually many small things that compound to create hazardous environments or situations. After accidents or injuries, it’s easy to have 20-20 hindsight.. Although examining what led to accidents is important, being proactive is just as, if not more, beneficial in creating a safe working environment. Instead of walking past a piece of paper on the floor, take the time to pick it up so no one slips on it. If someone needs help lifting something, offer assistance. If you see something unsafe, let your leaders know.
Safety, or a lack thereof, affects more people than just yourself. I have two young kids at home. If I were to get seriously hurt at work, or really anywhere, I have two kids whose lives would change drastically. I don’t want them to be affected because of poor decisions I’ve made. The same thing goes with those in our Famous family. Every day, the things we do not only affect us, but our co-workers and fellow associates. One associate that immediately comes to mind is Nichole VanHorn at the CDC. Not only does she work on her daily tasks in an organized way, she genuinely cares for the well being of the associates in the building. Nichole is always there to offer help, and always works to ensure safety procedures are being followed.

If we can look at the small things and realize that every little bit affects the bigger picture, we will become more efficient, productive, and safer. It’s not always convenient or easy, but we all have to do our part, even if it means going above and beyond and focusing on continuously improving our surroundings and ourselves. I’ll leave you with a quote that I had heard from Mary Hawk at the CDC.

“Safety is like a wheelbarrow. Sometimes you have to pick it up and push it!”

Josh Anderson
Central Distribution Center