You may see or hear the term “daily integrated safety management,” or daily ISM. This is a term used in EHS training materials, ES&H Manual chapters and other institutional documentation, but what is daily ISM? And why is it so important?
In its simplest form, daily ISM is the practice of including safety considerations into how you plan and do work. It doesn’t happen once a day or at a set time – it happens as work happens because it’s part of the work. It can start as simple as asking, “what about this work can hurt me or a coworker,” and “what do I need to do to keep myself and my coworkers from getting hurt.” It gets more involved than that, but it’s useful to think of it in the simplest form.
Let’s walk through a hypothetical example. In the morning, I do some computer work. What are the dangers of that work? Repetitive and forceful mousing and typing and sustained awkward postures can be dangerous over time. What do I need to do to protect myself? My desk, chair and computer set up can minimize the stresses on my body, so I make sure these are set up as best as possible before I start. I make sure I have RSI Guard installed and take frequent breaks if I know I will by typing for long periods of time.
Later that morning, I set up an experiment in the lab. What are the dangers of this work? I review the experiment protocol to make sure I understand the work and the potential hazards. If the hazards are not clear, I might ask my supervisor or review the WPC work activity. In this example, the experiment uses hazardous chemicals, which could have a variety of harmful effects if I’m exposed. What do I need to do to protect myself? Based on the chemicals involved, I know I need to wear specific protective equipment and do the work in a fume hood, so before I start, I check that the fume hood is ready for use and put on the appropriate PPE.
After some time, the experiment isn’t working the way I expected, so I think about using a different chemical mixture. I go through the ISM process again. Considering that the chemicals I’m using have changed, are there any new hazards? Do I need to do anything differently to protect myself?
This is a simplified example to illustrate that daily ISM is a work practice that is ongoing as work is ongoing. While it does get more involved, two questions you can always ask yourself before work are “what about the work I’m about to do can hurt me or a coworker” and “what do I need to do to keep myself and my coworkers safe?”
