We’ve all heard it before—safety is a personal responsibility, at work and home. It’s a well-worn truth, but a truth nonetheless. Still, the more familiar and comfortable we become with our daily routines, the easier it is to grow complacent—and even careless—about safety.
Outside of my role at Martin Engineering, I’m a husband, father, and volunteer firefighter. Recently, those worlds have intersected meaningfully: my son joined our fire department’s cadet program. He’s also developed a strong interest in hands-on work—woodworking, metal fabrication, electrical wiring—you name it. He’s taken to these skills quickly, and I’ll proudly admit he’s become pretty handy around the house and the fire station.
That brings me to our hands—something I often reference at home and the station. Our hands are involved in virtually everything we do. So, when we think about the work ahead, our hands are a great place to start when considering safety. They’re a physical reminder to pause and assess the risks before diving in.
Every task—whether it’s treating a patient, climbing a ladder, cutting someone out of a vehicle, or handling a hose—requires one of those gloves. Gloves are a basic but essential part of our personal protective equipment. The same goes for the pit and the plant.
Of course, safety goes beyond just wearing the right gloves. But starting with that simple step helps set the right mindset. It prompts us to think through the task, identify hazards, and take the necessary precautions.
That mindset—awareness—is the key to safety. It’s what helps us fight the complacency that creeps in over time. Awareness allows us to pause, recognize risks, and approach our work with intention and care.
So the next time you leave your house, your truck, or your desk, ask yourself: which gloves do I need? Let your hands be a reminder to stay alert and intentional about the work ahead.
One final thought—something else I emphasize to both cadets and seasoned firefighters: while we’re each responsible for our own safety, we’re also responsible for each other. We rely on our teammates, and we owe it to them to speak up when we see something unsafe. If you act out of genuine care and concern, you’ll never regret it.