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| Green & Growing (Spring 2007) |
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Be Alert Think and stay focused for safety
By Bob Tracinski
Did you ever wonder about safety instructions that make such general statements as “be alert” or “take caution?” What does that mean? It reminds us of an old bumper sticker that reads, Be alert - the world needs more LERTs. How do you achieve “alert” status?
Slow down
We live in a whirlwind world. Some days you get home late and want to mow the grass quickly. Your mind is still spinning with work worries. You want to mow as fast as you can. When you’re in a rush, that’s when it’s time to become a LERT. Stop. Take three deep breaths. Tell yourself to slow down. You don’t have to get it all done today. Plan to do what is reasonable. Decide to cut the front lawn and leave the backyard for tomorrow. And when you feel tired, just quit. Don’t push yourself into trouble. Tomorrow’s another day.
Prepare first
What’s the first thing you do before mowing? Add fuel? Start the engine? Unh-unh. Walk the lawn and look for hazards - toys, tools, or debris that can be flung by mower blades or that can damage the mower itself. Watch for children, bystanders, and pets; make sure there’s no one around to be hurt. And when using a chain saw to fell a tree, look around the immediate area to be sure that you have a clear exit route and won’t trip on branches or vines.
Read Instructions
You’ve heard it a million times - “When all else fails, read the directions.” The problem is so critical, a pain reliever company recently ran TV ads asking people who don’t read instructions to avoid their product. So, be a LERT. Read the directions on a container of weed-killer or pesticide so you know exactly how much to use and how often. Read the operator’s manual on a new power tool - even if you’ve used one like it before. Brush up on a tool you haven’t used for awhile. And keep all your manuals in one place for handy reference when it’s time for troubleshooting or service.
Be a LERT
Remember to: Look for trouble; End the job when you’re tired; Read directions; Take it slow and easy.
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