The crane collapse during the construction of the high-speed train, which crushed the Special Express No. 21 traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani as it passed through Sikhiu Subdistrict, Sikhiu District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, has raised public questions about safety standards in construction projects.
In every activity within workplaces, construction projects, or various sites, safety is not a minor issue but a fundamental concern that must always be prioritized. Work-related risks can lead to dangers affecting both the lives and property of workers. Ignoring safety from the start can inevitably lead to unexpected consequences. Therefore, the concept Safety First or "Safety First" has become a crucial principle that everyone in an organization must recognize and adhere to daily.
Safety First or "Safety First" is the principle that prioritizes hazard prevention and creating a safe working environment before actual work begins. Everyone involved must always consider safety first. The goal is to reduce the chance of accidents, illnesses, or health issues related to work. This is a fundamental approach to risk management in all types of workplaces.
The importance of Safety First lies in its ability to prevent loss of life and property when workplace hazards occur. Injuries to workers not only affect individuals but also disrupt production processes, damage organizational reputation, and increase various costs.
Therefore, emphasizing safety from the start reduces risks such as machinery accidents, unsuitable environments, or risky worker behavior, enabling smoother and more efficient work.
The Safety First approach works well when organizations and all personnel collaboratively create a system covering prevention before work through to post-work evaluation. It includes several elements, for example:
1. Clear safety policy establishment The organization
must clearly state that safety is the highest priority and communicate this policy at all levels for consistent adherence and practice.2. Risk analysis and assessment before
starting work Identifying hazards in advance and planning risk control effectively reduces accidents and losses.
3. Training and building safety awarenessProviding appropriate knowledge tailored to job types helps employees understand safe work methods and correctly handle risky situations.
4. Creating a safety culture within the organization
When everyone sees safety as a shared responsibility, it fosters vigilance, warnings, and collaborative improvements for safer work.5. Using standardized protective equipment
Selecting suitable protective gear for specific tasks reduces hazard severity and directly protects workers. 6. Inspection and maintenance of machinery and workplaces
Maintaining environments and equipment in ready condition prevents accidents due to damage or wear.7. Observation and control of work behavior
Monitoring actual work ensures compliance with standards and reduces risky behaviors that could cause harm. 8. Health and hygiene control of
workersHealth surveillance and monitoring of occupational risks help prevent work-related diseases and promote employee well-being.
9. Safety control in procurement Selecting products, materials, and services with safety in mind reduces risks from the start of work processes.
10. Promoting safety during and outsideworking hours
Instilling safety concepts as part of daily life encourages consistent safe behavior in all situations.
Criteria for evaluating the Safety First systemEvaluation criteria for the Safety First system to ensure effective safety management may vary by organization, but the following basic criteria can serve as inspection guidelines:Safety policy: Does the organization have a clear documented policy, and is it communicated at all levels?
Training and risk awareness: Is there ongoing training and understanding of safety? Environment and equipment inspection: Is there a system to check documents, equipment, and work areas before starting?
Incident reporting and follow-up: Is there a formal system for reporting and addressing risks or accidents?Safety First
is not merely a slogan on warning signs but the essential heart of reducing loss and risk in the workplace. Following safety principles at every step builds worker confidence and enables continuous organizational operation. As long as everyone cooperates in upholding “ Safety First
,” positive and sustainable results will follow.Reference:
Institute for the Promotion of Safety, Occupational Health, and Environment in the Workplace (Public Organization)
