Have you ever heard of or seen the show "The Six Million Dollar Man"? It was poplar in the 1970s. I thought it was cool. Cyborg Steve Austin was better, stronger, and faster because of bionic legs, an arm, and an eye attached after a near-fatal aircraft crash. Now, I've decided that I won't to be the Billion Dollar Man. Don't get me wrong -- I don't plan on attaching bionic body parts. I have a different idea; but first let me give you some shocking information.

Statistics show that workplace injuries cost the U.S. economy at least $48.3 billion. (Source: Liberty Mutual, From Research to Reality, Winter 2008.) This number is bigger than most of us can imagine. OSHA statistics show that over 5,500 people die every year due to workplace injuries or illnesses. Varying costs are attributed to this statistic, but at the risk of sounding glib, let's say that the negative economic impact for each employee fatality is $1 million. That adds up to $5.5 billion. We're talking billions of absolutely avoidable, needlessly wasted dollars that could be used for something far more valuable -- like injury prevention.

My lifetime goal is to be the Billions Dollar Man; my intention and purpose is to do whatever it takes to get workers and managers, families and executives, anyone who has any influence, to learn how he or she can take personal responsibility for safety so that everyone goes home every day without an injury.

I'm a goal-oriented guy, so my personal objective is to influence workplace safety so we can reduce the impact on families, organizations, and the economy to the tune of $1,000,000,000. Sure, it's a lofty goal -- but why settle for something mediocre when it comes to safety: the well being of your fellow workers, your families, and yourself?

Here are 5 ways you can get on board with the Billion Dollar Goal:

1. Start every day with a safety contact.
If you are working with a group of people in an office, a crew in the field, or a team in the shop, get focused on safety with a daily briefing about what the work entails, any hazards that were found or abated, or even something someone observed at home or on the way to work.

2. Correct or report every hazard that you notice.
Become a 24/7 safety observer. Whether you're at work, the grocery store, the race track, or a  restaurant, watch for things that can get you or someone you love (or even someone you don't) hurt. It may be a spill on a floor, a cord across a walkway, a loose handrail. Whatever it is, do what you can to take care of it yourself, and if you can't, let someone in authority know about the situation.

3. Learn everything you can about safety -- and never stop learning.
If you have areas of uncertainty about how to do your job safely, get some training. If you don't understand a safe work practice, get clarification. If you are traveling a broad, understand the safety and security issues in that area. These days, information is so readily available on the Internet or from competent persons, there's no excuse for ignorance.

4. Get involved in the safety process where you work, live, and play.
Safety doesn't take a holiday. You and your family need to be safe regardless of where you are and what you're doing. Be a part of your organization's safety committees or other related activities. Participate at your local school by giving a safety talk or conducting a facility walkthrough. Engage in your community's safety functions such as disaster planning, emergency drills, and CPR training. Make safety a part of your life.

5. Recognize safe behavior in others.
Nothing motivates in a big way like a little recognition. When you see a fellow working doing something safe, recognize them. When someone points out something you could be doing safer, thank them. When your teenager drives you to the store and observes all the safe driving rules, acknowledge their great behavior. When your spouse continually wears a seatbelt, let him or her know you appreciate it. Take an active role in promoting safe behavior: let people know you appreciate their concern for safety -- their own and yours.

Just imagine what we could do together if we all focused a little more on safety every day. You can positively affect the U.S. economy by lowering your risk for injuries and stimulating safety awareness everywhere you go. Let's all get on board with making at least a $1,000,000,000 difference in our economy.

Think About This
What simple strategy can you put into practice every day that will reduce your risk for injuries? Challenge yourself: think of something you aren't already doing.

Excerpted from I Am Safe: Closing the Gap Between Knowing and Doing by Carl Potter, CSP, CMC, CSP.

© 2008 Carl Potter, Potter and Associates International. Carl Potter, CSP, CMC, CSP works with organizations that want to create an environment where nobody gets hurt. As an advocate for zero-injury workplaces, he is a nationally-renowned safety speaker, author, and advisor to industry. He also enjoys flying and infusing aviation safety concepts into workplace safety practices. To purchase copies of Carl and Deb Potter's safety books, visit www.safetybooks.com.

Want to sharpen your employee hazard recognition skills? For information about safety programs, including the Hazard Recognition and Control Workshop, contact Carl at 800.259.6209, email carl@potterandassociates.com, or www.carlpotter.com. 

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