Safety First

In this article we will be looking into a very popular safety quote “Safety First”. This quote cannot be omitted in any organization who is practicing safety; be it well-practiced or just a lip service.

Most people are very familiar with this quote, but only few really understand what it actually means. This is why someone will be involved in an unsafe act when the quote is directly posted in front of him/her.

Personally, the quote “Safety First” is the most powerful quote in the Health and Safety profession. It is the foundation where all other safety quotes and practice are built on.

Without going into too much stories, let’s get the understanding of this quote.

“Safety first; What does it actually mean?

The quote is made up of two words: Safety and First – Let’s see the definition of these two terms:

Safety: A condition of being protected from anything or situation which could likely cause danger, risk, or injury.

First: Preceding all other things in time, order and importance.

Hence, “Safety First” means – Considering a condition of being protected from anything or situation which could likely cause danger, risk, or injury to precede all other things in time, order and importance.

So if you have the understanding above about the quote, then you will value it. Valuing this quote will reflect in your act and response to safety issues.

When next you come across this quote, always remember to relate it to the definition above.

It is the bed rock from which safety compliance is achieved.

Further Reading

What is Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

What is safety

13 Reasons why safety is important