Topics in the 48 safety videos Harold Nicoll created for Drive To Zero

Based on standard industrial practices and the context of the “Drive To Zero” initiative at a chemical manufacturing company like Dow, the 48 safety videos covered a wide range of topics. The topics w progressed from general safety philosophy to specific, granular procedures to eliminate every possible incident.

General safety and initiative principles

These videos introduced and reinforced the overall “Drive To Zero” mindset, emphasizing a proactive rather than reactive approach to safety.

• The “Zero” mindset: Challenging the assumption that a small number of accidents are inevitable, promoting the pursuit of a zero-incident rate.
• Situational and safety awareness: Training employees to remain mindful of their surroundings and potential hazards at all times.
• The human element: Highlighting the role of human behavior, fatigue, and distraction in incidents.
• Reporting and accountability: Emphasizing the importance of reporting all accidents, near-misses, and potential hazards without fear of reprisal.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

A series of videos focused on the proper use, maintenance, and storage of PPE.

• Head, eye, and face protection: When and how to wear hard hats, safety glasses, and face shields.
• Hand and foot protection: The selection and use of appropriate gloves and safety footwear for various tasks.
• Hearing protection: The importance of earplugs and earmuffs in high-noise environments.
• Respiratory protection: The proper use and fitting of respirators for environments with fumes, dust, or other airborne hazards.

Hazard-specific procedures

Given Dow’s chemical manufacturing context, numerous videos address specific on-site hazards.

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Procedures for preventing the unexpected start-up of machinery during maintenance.
• Hazardous materials and chemical safety (HAZCOM): Proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals, as well as understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Confined space entry: Safety protocols for entering enclosed or partially enclosed spaces with restricted entry and exit.
• Fire prevention and emergency response: The proper use of fire extinguishers (using the “PASS” method), as well as evacuation procedures and routes.

Safe work practices

Other videos covered universally important safety practices applicable across the company.

• Slips, trips, and falls: How to prevent the most common type of workplace injury, focusing on good housekeeping, proper footwear, and awareness of spills or uneven surfaces.
• Lifting and ergonomics: Correct techniques for lifting heavy or awkward objects and adjusting workstations to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
• Electrical safety: How to safely operate and work near electrical equipment and avoid common electrical hazards.
• Safe driving: Protocols for operating company vehicles, forklifts, or other heavy machinery.

Emergency preparedness

Videos covered what to do when something goes wrong.

• Emergency exits and evacuation routes: Procedures for quickly and safely exiting a building during a plant-wide emergency.
• First aid and incident management: What to do immediately following an injury, including administering first aid and reporting the incident.
• Spill response: Training on procedures for containing and cleaning up chemical spills.