Hello Everyone,

In less than a month we will be saying good-bye to 2017 and welcoming in 2018 and the opportunity to make a New Years commitment to improve Safety.  2017 was a year with contrasting results. On one hand, the overall number of medical treatment accidents (MTA’s) was much lower; however, at the same time, we had serious accidents including a fatality and an amputation.  Henry Ford said, “The only real mistake is the one in which we learn nothing.”  Each time we have an accident or an incident, it provides us with an opportunity to learn and improve. However, sometimes, I do not believe we take full advantage of this.  If we reflect on our two irreversible accidents this year, following each of those, we had very similar incidents.  Why?  What can we do differently?  How should we learn from these incidents?   Most of our most serious incidents and near misses are related to violations of the Solvay Life Saving Rules (SLSR). The understanding and application of the SLSR’s varies between sites.  In an effort to improve this, we will provide more definition and guidance on the intent and application of each SLSR and the three transversals.  But, this alone will not really make a difference.  What will make a difference is how this information is applied and followed at our sites.   Sometimes, when there is an incident, we are surprised – How could that happen?  We have procedures in place to prevent that….., etc. Albert Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”  To me, this means if you, as a leader, really want to know what is happening (=knowledge), you must be present in the field (=experience) – you must know first hand how things are being done and the challenges your employees face.  Only then can you really support them and help them work safely. So, my wish for 2018 is that we take to heart what Henry Ford and Albert Einstein said:  Let’s really learn from our accidents and incidents and let’s be present in the field so that we truly know what is happening and how best to support our teams. I wish you all a Safe and Happy Holiday Season and the Best for 2018. 

James