Every day, you encounter risks outside of your control. Whether you’re climbing a ladder, cleaning the floor or bringing shopping carts inside, the unexpected can happen. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and prevent an injury.

Protect yourself at work by completing a mental checklist before starting a task. Customize the steps below, as needed.

Analyze the task

Before you get started, think about what could go wrong, whether anything has changed since the last time you did it and what you need to do to complete the task safely. If you don’t have all the answers, talk to your manager before moving forward.

Decide what you need

What tools and personal protective equipment should you use to complete the task? Make sure you have everything you need before getting started.

Evaluate the results

Use the mental checklist every time you complete a task. As needed, make adjustments to your checklist that will help you remember to work safely during every task you complete.

Assistant Store Manager Craig Taclof, #1381, Winter Park, Florida, encourages his associates to work safely every day. He believes working safely is foundational to everything we do.

“I recognize my associates for working safely by saying, ‘Thank you.’ It makes them feel good, and they in turn become safety advocates,” said Craig. “Our safety is important to our families and Publix.”