In the safety world, zero is the new name of the game. Have you heard of the Zero Injury Institute.com? Or slogans such as, “Target Zero,” and “We’re drilling toward zero.”
Many safety experts will tell you getting to zero is no fantasy; it’s doable. In fact, it’s been done at many worksites. Besides, what’s the point of a safety program if not to eliminate all hazards, all injuries, all incidents? Anything other than zero is a concession, not acceptable. One amputation a year is clearly not acceptable. One crash, one explosion, one cave-in — not acceptable. It only makes sense. The alternative? “Gentlemen, this year the safety department has budgeted for three life-threatening injuries, two multiple-injury incidents, and sadly, one fatality. But after much discussion and consideration, these are considered acceptable losses.” Such talk is outrageous. Immoral.