May 2009
Your Letters
Perceived safety is important
Imagine having InTech sitting out on my desk, and the Health/Safety officer sees it, and he just shakes his head. I had to agree with him, the March cover is missing something. Safety.
Automation engineers are not just safety conscientious about equipment but perceived safety, also. We do not allow workers under a suspended load with out bracing, to use a hammer without safety glasses, walk on top of load without a safety harness, drill a vessel without knowing if the pressure is relieved, and work without proper foot and head protection. When we draw up HMIs, there are hard hats on workers, indicators for hot areas, high pressure alerts, even handrails on second floor levels. With our HMIs illustrating safety, we advance a safe attitude to our fellow workers and supervisors. Can you convince the illustrators that perceived safety is important even if is a just a stick figure?
Having joined the 8.1% back in September 2008, I still know the value of perceived and real safety, and we should never let our guards down (pun intended).
Reo Lawrence
Member ISA Western Carolina Section
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