Let’s Talk Safety!

How Do You Talk About Safety? Last year, hundreds of UAW-GM team members were injured at work and at home. Most of those injuries could have been avoided - and you can help. When you spot hazards that put team members (and friends and family) at risk, SPEAK UP and suggest a safer way! The attitude you give is the attitude you get. Show you care Ask permission Be humble Offer suggestions in a positive way Mention the larger implications of unsafe behavior, such as impact on family and futures. Accept safety suggestions with grace and thanks Report safety issues to your Supervisor or through the Employee Safety Concern Process. The Awareline is an additional resource to help get the issue resolved.

Opportunities To Talk About Safety Distracted walking (texting, phoning, etc.) Mobile equipment drivers and pedestrians not following rules (i.e. stop before crossing, 2-foot rule, Wait for the Wave) Not using handrails on staircases Working at heights without being tied off Working inside a machine without proper lock-out Objects that could fall Wet or dirty floors (water, slush/snow, oil) Blocked walkways (boxes, drawers, electrical cords) A person lifting or carrying things that are too heavy Electrical cabinets opened Machine guards missing or pinch points not guarded Someone is not wearing personal protection equipment (PPE)

It Happens To People We Know And Care About Mike Rumley is a GM Safety staff manager. He thinks about safety a lot, but even he wishes he focused on it more. Out for a jog last July, after returning home tired from a week’s travel, Mike tripped and fell. He shattered eight bones in his wrist. It took multiple surgeries to start the healing process. It will be a full year before Mike will return to 60-percent of his original strength, and pain levels remain in the “2-3 range” on an ongoing basis. “I was tired and shouldn’t have gone out for a run,” Mike says. “I didn’t trip on the sidewalk. I just dragged my foot. My guard was down, I got hurt, and it’s been the worst six months of my life.” Mike’s experience shows we need to always take every precaution to ensure our safety at work and at home. Be safe. And if you can help others be safe, SPEAK UP! Mike Photo