Risk & Business Magazine Marcotte Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 6

SAFETY
I
f, at any gathering of safety or
risk control professionals, you
ask, “How many have used, seen, or
heard the phrase ‘Safety First’ in
their company?” most will raise
their hands. Then ask if safety really is
considered first. The vast majority will
drop their hands. Now ask about the use
of the phrase ‘Profits First.’ No hands
are raised but everyone knows that is
a primary business focus and concern.
Why and how does “Profits First” get
such understanding and support without
fanfare?
SIMPLE ANSWERS
Everyone knows that profits are what
allow a company to grow and reinvest
in itself. Profits are ingrained in all
operational aspects of business, and that’s
where safety should be, not “first” or
forgotten.
Safety needs to be just another accepted
component for successful business
operations. Safety should be a value that is
integrated into each task. Attempting to
place safety