Safety is the state of being “safe” (from French sauf), the condition of being protected against physical, social, spiritual, financial, political, emotional, occupational, psychological, educational, or other types or consequences of failure, damage, error, accidents, harm or any other event which could be considered non-desirable. This can take the form of being protected from the event or from exposure to something that causes health or economic losses. It can include the protection of people or of possessions.

The word safety refers to your freedom from danger, injury, and damage, and to your personal security. The word safety has been used so often that many of you may think of it as a “Preaching Word”, or a word that forces you to alter your ways or change bad habits.

Instead, when you hear the word safety, think of it as a word that applies to the way you do everything in life. Think of it as a procedure to keep you from harm.

For example: If you’re driving safely, you’re simply operating your vehicle as intended and obeying the laws, no more, no less. If you’re working with a power tool that requires eye protection, don’t fight it. Safety glasses are simply a necessary accessory to the proper use of that tool. If you’re at home, take the time to use a ladder instead of standing on a chair that was made to sit on.