2Wheeltips

DuPont has been an industry leader in promoting safety in the workplace and a company that truly “walks the talk” when it comes to safety. DuPont developed a safety management program called “STOP” (safety training observation program) that has been adopted by 100’s if not 1000’s of companies world wide due to it’s effectiveness in reducing/eliminating workplace injuries.

My Company has been using the "STOP" program for the last 7 years and we have found it so effective that it’s become the cornerstone of our safety program!! Not all of the components of the “STOP” program are transferable to motorcycle safety, but most are. I would like to share those with you and see if you might find them useful.

The key principle of the “STOP” program is the belief that all “incidents” are preventable. The word incident is used instead of “accident” to purposely avoid the perception that “accidents do happen no matter what”.

I personally believe that all accidents are preventable in the workplace and even in the home. I don’t, however, believe this is remotely possible on the roads due to the number of poorly trained, irresponsible, distracted, drunk and or reckless drivers that can cause an accident no matter how safe and cautious we might be. We can not control the other guy’s behavior and that will always be the “wild card”.

What “STOP” teaches is when preparing to do a job (and this can be any job: painting the house, woodworking, hanging Christmas lights, trimming shrubbery), you need to do five things first:

1. DECIDE: Decide to make safety the first priority when doing this job. This applies directly to motorcycling. Decide before getting on the bike that you will keep your safety and that of your passenger in the forefront of your mind during the entire ride.
2. STOP: Stop and take a moment to give your full attention to the entire job. Applying this to riding and our bike this would include what we’re going to wear, the weather conditions, where are we going to ride and the possible hazards associated with that route, what will we be carrying. This is the time to clear your mind and totally focus on the task of riding safely.
3. OBSERVE: Observe your bike and gear for possible unsafe conditions. This is when you would perform your T-CLOCKS and look over everything to insure its “good to go”.
4. THINK: As you think about what you just observed consider how your safety will be affected by using a questioning mind. Ask yourself things like: •
   1. What unexpected things could happen that I might not be prepared for?
   2. How could I be injured if the unexpected happens?
   3. My tires are fair but, if it rains, will they proivde sufficient traction?
   4. What other precautions could I take that would make this ride safer?
5. ACT:  Finally, act, applying good judgment to take whatever action is needed to eliminate both unsafe acts and unsafe conditions.

It’s that simple!! As I’ve said in previous articles, it’s all about attitude. 99% of this process is mental preparation and focusing on safety principles before you act or ride, in our case, and taking the time to ensure the safe condition of you, your bike and your gear.

These principles have a proven record of saving 100s of lives and preventing 1000s of injuries in the workplace. They work if you believe in them and use them. Of course, many don’t, and many will think this is all just too much bother. Unfortunately, that is why our Emergency Rooms do such a great business. You make the choice.
Ride safe, be safe, live long, and prosper.