Introduction

A new year brings a natural opportunity to reset, refocus, and recommit to what matters most, keeping ourselves and our coworkers safe. Rather than viewing safety as a checklist or a set of rules, this week we’ll focus on how everyday actions, shared responsibility, and open communication shape our safety culture. Together, we’ll look at how we can carry lessons from last year forward and turn intentions into consistent, safe habits.

Monday – Safety My Voice: Why Safety Matters to Me

Safety is personal. Safety My Voice is a way to share why safety matters to you, not through rules or procedures, but through lived experience. It may be a close call, an injury, or a moment that changed how you think about risk.

When sharing your Safety My Voice:

• Focus on how the experience affected you personally
• Describe what changed in your thinking or behavior
• Share honestly; listen respectfully

This is not a debate or discussion; it’s an opportunity to learn from one another and strengthen understanding across the team.

Reflection Question:
Have you shared your Safety My Voice recently? What story shaped your approach to safety?

Tuesday – From Resolutions to Safety Habits

New Year’s resolutions often fade quickly. Instead of focusing on big promises, this year we’ll focus on small, repeatable safety habits.

Tips for building lasting safety habits:

• Start small and realistic
• Focus on one behavior change at a time
• Choose actions that reduce risk most effectively
• Talk about your goal—accountability increases follow-through
• Make safety part of daily routines, not a one-time commitment

Key Message:
Sustainable safety comes from consistent actions, not perfect intentions.

Wednesday – Strengthening Our Inspections & Observations

Inspections play a critical role in preventing incidents. While mandatory inspections are essential, adding informal observations helps identify risks before they escalate.

Required inspections may include:

• Fire extinguishers and hoses
• Cranes and lifting devices
• Machine guarding
• Forklifts
• Emissions equipment

Additional inspections to consider:

• Housekeeping and 5S
• Emergency lighting and exit routes
• Preventive maintenance routines
• Ladders and stairs
• Electrical panels and obstructions
• General area safety

Reflection Question:
What hazards do we see every day that deserve more attention?

Thursday – Forklift Safety: Focus on Readiness

Forklifts remain one of the highest-risk pieces of equipment in general industry. Most incidents stem from equipment condition, operator behavior, or lack of training.

Inspections:
OSHA requires pre-operation inspections before each shift. Ensure checks include:

• Tires and wheels
• Horns, lights, and warning devices
• Lifting mechanisms
• Seats and seat belts
• Power sources (fuel, batteries, fluids)
• Brakes and steering

Training & Authorization:

• Verify operator competency regularly
• Complete refresher evaluations at least every 3 years
• Maintain a skills matrix identifying approved equipment operators

Key Message:
Safe equipment requires both mechanical readiness and trained operators.

Friday – Open Discussion: Setting Safety Intentions

Instead of resolutions, let’s talk about safety intentions for the year ahead.

Discussion Questions:

• What is one safety habit you want to strengthen this year?
• What support do you need to stay consistent?
• How can we help each other stay accountable?

Closing Thought:
Strong safety cultures are built one choice at a time. The new year is our chance to reset, recommit, and move forward together safer than before.

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