It’s tempting to let something small slide on a busy day, but when safety is at stake, there’s no shortcut that’s worth it. If there is even an inkling that a machine might not be safe for use, take it out of use immediately — before one of your employees or customers is injured.

• Take equipment out of service right away if a work speaks up about it being unsafe.
• Clearly mark or tag the machine so no other worker uses it by mistake.
• Make sure it stays “out of service” until all the needed repairs are done.

Supervisors Safety Bulletin, November 2009.

This safety tip is provided by ARA Insurance Services, Kansas City, Mo., to help those in the rental industry better manage their risk. For more safety and risk management information, customers of ARA Insurance Services can log on to ReSource. Access is free, so if you haven’t signed up yet, contact your agent or call 800-821-6580.