No time for cutting corners

  • Published
  • By Ron Mason
  • 653rd Electronic Systems Wing director
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  The costs of reacting to workplace injuries and illnesses far exceed the costs to prevent them from happening in the first place.

This mindset fosters communication, understanding and positive results by increasing support of safety and health systems, decreasing workplace safety and health hazards and expanding partnership opportunities.

All of us from the top - down need to be setting goals to become more collaborative in our work areas with everyone, regardless of status or category of employment.

ESC has deep rooted core values related to quality, productivity and talented employees. Our reputation is built on quality and giving our customer - the warfighter - products that they want and need. When the pressure was on to cut corners or use cheaper "ingredients" - We just didn't do it! The same holds true for worker safety and health.

When faced with the challenges of today, now is not the time to cut corners. The costs of cutting corners will undoubtedly result in more long term costs and the inability to keep talented employees.

As I have stated above, the costs of reacting to workplace injuries and illnesses far exceed the costs to prevent them from happening in the first place. It remains crucial for everyone to work together in difficult times to maintain and strengthen safety and health systems. Senior leaders, managers, supervisors, employees (civilian, military and contractors) must all pull together for their common good.

Make safety about implementing strategies, such as wearing seat belts, or lifting with your legs instead of your back, rather than about simply avoiding accidents or hoping for the best. Be a mentor to safety. Create incentives. Each of us as "VPP Stakeholders" can and should provide input in addressing safety and health issues.

We all have a shared interest and common goal in working together to make a difference for ESC. Don't let a bad attitude get in the way of safety, (1) Keep your focus on your work, (2) Be alert to possible hazards, (3) Be a team player-watch out for others and yourself, and (4) Use common sense and job training to prevent hazards.