3 minute read
Safety: Don't Take it for Granted
Safety protocols in the workplace help protect employees from harm or injury. Taking just one shortcut could lead to a disaster. That's the story Brad Livingston knows all too well being involved in back-to-back explosions in the workplace. He’ll share those experiences and more during the Northeast Iowa Community College Safety Conference in December.
Livingston is a living example of how everything can change. Over two decades ago while working at a natural gas pipeline company, a shortcut was taken at work and it cost him two and a half months of unconsciousness, 18 surgeries, two years of rehab and nearly his life.
“The incident I was involved in was 100 percent preventable,” Livingston said, “and that’s a hard pill to swallow when you are laying in a hospital bed running it over and over in your head - Why? How? Me? All for a shortcut, to save three minutes.”
His journey back following the incident wasn’t easy. Besides having 18 surgeries and completing two years of rehab, Livingston dealt with inner demons that wore him down emotionally and mentally.
“Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain was my enemy, and we were in constant battle,” he said. “The second hard pill to swallow was what I did to my family. They didn’t give me their permission to go along with a shortcut on the job. They expected me to come home that day and take them to the high school football game. Instead, they were told they should not expect to see me alive ever again.”
Now, more than 21 years later, he is a motivational speaker, a husband, father and grandfather who lives in southern Colorado. Livingston isn’t afraid to talk about his incident and share it with others to help them realize it could happen to anyone.
He has a message for those who think it won’t happen to them. “Good for you. You’re a human being. Now grow up,” he said.
“Testosterone-driven boys and men will think this, and some women do too.”
He says preventing accidents in the workplace is as easy as being diligent, owning the safety culture and each individual accepting responsibility. Livingston encourages safety to become part of people’s DNA, not just something you can turn on and off.
“No one is special,” he said, “so I know what it’s like to have to work every day to feed and clothe and house my family. Unfortunately, I also know what it’s like to believe it can’t happen to me, and lose sight of ‘why’ I need to work safely.”
Learn more about Brad’s story and how safety in the workplace matters during the upcoming Safety Conference. Experience various breakout sessions providing valuable insights into OSHA updates, active aggressor responses and practical strategies to reduce workplace injuries. You'll have the opportunity to learn from leading experts such as Lisa Schaefer, Ty Hill and others and engage in interactive demonstrations and real-world solutions addressing today's key safety challenges.
Don't miss the Safety Conference, this premiere event that promises to transform your approach to safety and empower you with the tools to foster a safer, more productive workplace.
For more information contact:
Theresa LeisenBusiness Solutions Consultant leisent@nicc.edunicc.edu/safetyconference
