WELCOME

We learn safety at an early age. We are taught not to touch hot things, to look both ways, and to be fearful of strangers.

We pay attention when we’re children, but somewhere along the line, many of us gain a feeling of invincibility or immortality. There is a certain disbelief that things will happen to us. It is always going to happen to the other person. We tempt fate constantly. Add peer pressure, and there is a recipe for disaster. People take risks every day.

But let’s not confuse calculated risk with just plain stupidity—those accidents we look at and say, what were they thinking?

When we’re done laughing and pointing and shaking our heads in bewilderment, though, we need to address the ultimate question: Why were they thinking the way they were, and how can we change that thought process? As I said, peer pressure throughout life continues to be a big factor. Not many people want to be different, most want to fit in. Often times we hear people explain away “stupidity” by claiming that’s how the other guys do it or that’s the way it’s always been done.

Cutting corners just to get the job done is the same as laziness, as far as I’m concerned, and I don’t think we should tolerate it. If nobody’s leading by good example, it’s no wonder that workers are at risk.

It is my hope as chair of the ISRI Safety and Environmental Council that we can help to make a difference in our industry. I believe we can continue to lead the charge in the scrap and recycling industry and reach out to other industries beyond our own. Safety knows no boundaries; there are no trade secrets. We can learn from each other and share what we know with everyone.

The Council should be involved in technology and setting safety standards. It should serve as a model and resource to allow and encourage others to build a safe environment. We can shape a culture that will keep everyone safe.

We can do it "Safely or Not at All."

Come join us!