'I chose to look the other way'
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem a fool,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before,
If I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife,
I’ll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear,
But it isn’t something you need to share,
If you see a risk that others take,
That puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
Could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
Then I hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day,
But I chose to look the other way
by Don Merrell
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'15 Seconds'
Listening to the radio news on the way to work recently, I heard a 15 second story about a mine fatality in WA. There was a brief outline of the incident, ending with the announcement that this was the third mine fatality in WA for the year.
Firstly, in this case, there were three witnesses.
Then came the mining safety manager, the foreman, the department manager and the mines manager. Six members from the rescue team attended, and five members from the crew observed the scene after the event. Two police officers attended, along with a Mines Inspector and two assistants. Three coronial enquiries and forensic officers attended for the preliminary investigation. Five counsellors came to assist employees. In the first four hours, that’s 31 people already.
Two additional police officers, a nurse from the local medical centre and a representative from the mine attended the partner’s house and advised of the incident.
Several phone calls later 30 family members know. One family member attended the local primary school to advise the child of the deceased and take him home. The headmaster, class teacher, school psychologist and 24 classmates of the child then spent the remainder of the day discussing the incident.
Communication sessions were organised for all employees. Emotions now come into play (remember that some people delivering these sessions are also dealing with their own emotions). In the following days several people have not attended work due to some form of emotional stress. These people are vulnerable to themselves and others around. Interviews have started with all involved. Not only did some see the event, they now have to recall every detail and relay it in an interview. Answers are needed and legal requirements have to be met.
The plant manager is at the home of the deceased offering the family support. Police are also there, obtaining details of the deceased. Funeral directors are in attendance along with the local priest making arrangement for the funeral. A team of forensic and coronial examiners are with the deceased, building evidence as to the cause of death.
The next day several of the child’s classmates are not at school, having difficulties dealing with what occurred. Some parents are home from work with their children providing support. Every one of the family members have put their own lives and work on hold as they grieve and offer support to the deceased’s partner and each other.
Within the first 24 hours, over 200 lives have been affected. Some involved will carry this with them for the rest of their lives.
- Do not take things for granted or become complacent;
- Fully investigate near missus;
- Share learning’s with others;
- Keep an eye out for each other;
- Do not treat fatality prevention with the mindset that ‘It will never happen to me’.
You do not want to be one of those people affected by a "15 second radio announcement”
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