STAY AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Work areas rarely remain the same from the beginning of the shift to the end. Foot traffic increases, equipment is moved, carts are repositioned, and cleaning activities may overlap with other tasks.

Be mindful of walkways, entrances, corners, and shared spaces. Watch for temporary hazards such as wet floors, blocked paths, cords, or people moving through your work area. Slowing down in busy or shared spaces helps prevent collisions, slips, and falls.

Taking a moment to scan your surroundings before starting a task — and again as conditions change — can make a meaningful difference in preventing injuries.

WATCH YOUR BODY MECHANICS

Strains and sprains are among the most common workplace injuries and often develop gradually rather than all at once. These injuries are frequently caused by repetitive motion, awkward positioning,
or lifting without proper support.

Pay attention to how you lift, reach, push, and pull. Maintain a stable stance, keep loads close to your body, avoid twisting while carrying items, and reposition yourself instead of overreaching. Asking for help or adjusting how a task is performed is part of working safely.

Small adjustments in body mechanics can help prevent injuries that build up over time.

AVOID RUSHING

Rushing increases the likelihood of missed hazards, poor footing, and mistakes with tools or equipment. It can also lead to skipped steps or unsafe shortcuts.

Take the time needed to properly set up tasks, place signage when required, and complete work safely. Working at a steady, controlled pace supports better decision-making and helps prevent injuries that result in lost work time or extended recovery.

STAY FOCUSED DURING ROUTINE WORK

Routine tasks can cause attention to drop because they feel familiar. This is when shortcuts, skipped steps, or reduced awareness are most likely to occur. Pause occasionally to refocus, especially during repetitive work. Mentally checking in with the task, following each step as trained, and limiting distractions help prevent injuries during everyday activities.

Staying engaged during routine work is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

SPEAK UP WHEN CONDITIONS CHANGE

Conditions can change quickly during a shift due to weather, increased foot traffic, equipment issues, or unexpected obstacles. What was safe earlier in the shift may not remain safe later.

If something changes or does not look right, speak up. Reporting concerns early allows issues to be
corrected before they lead to injuries and helps protect everyone working in the area.

GOOD SAVES: AWARENESS PREVENTS INJURIES

Good Saves are a direct result of awareness. They occur when someone notices a hazard, change, or unsafe condition and takes action before an injury happens.

Examples include recognizing increased foot traffic in a normally quiet area, correcting an unsafe setup, adjusting work due to changing conditions, or stopping work when something does not feel right.
Good Saves help prevent injuries, protect coworkers, and keep work moving safely.

INJURY REPORTING

If an injury occurs, report it to your supervisor immediately — even if it seems minor. Prompt reporting ensures proper care and allows concerns to be addressed quickly.

FEBRUARY REMINDER

Awareness is an active part of working safely.

Stay alert, slow down when needed, and speak up when conditions change.