Our Life-Saving Rules

There are many rules we follow in our daily lives that help keep us safe. Some of these rules are so important that they can literally mean the difference between life and death. 

As you read through these rules, you will find they are not complex or difficult to follow. However, their simplicity should not detract from their significance. 

Each rule helps create a safer, more secure workplace for everyone, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to follow them to the letter.

Drive safely

  • I always wear a seatbelt – driver as well as passengers
  • I do not exceed the speed limit and reduce my speed for road conditions
  • I always talk hands-free and operate devices carefully while driving
  • I am fit, rested and fully alert while driving

Travel safely

  • I do not travel alone at night (in risk areas)
  • I create a contingency plan before a situation arises
  • I bring insurance papers
  • I communicate my travel plans/stays to relevant colleagues
  • I am aware of local food and water safety risks when travelling and take appropriate precautions to avoid illness

Obtain work permits for risky activities

  • I confirm if a work permit is required
  • I am authorised and competent to perform the work 
  • I confirm that relevant risks are controlled, and it is safe to start
  • I stop and reassess if work conditions change

Verify isolation and zero energy before work begins

  • I identify all energy sources (electricity, heat, air pressure, etc.) 
  • I ensure that all energy supplies are disconnected and locked
  • I prevent unauthorised entries using barriers and signs
  • I use relevant LOTOTO systems

Prevent burns

  • I always identify and remain aware of hot surfaces and equipment in the workspace 
  • I check that insulation is sufficient on the hot surfaces 
  • I report any leaks or issues with hot systems promptly
  • I ensure proper labelling of hot equipment and pipes
  • I wear appropriate heat-resistant PPE when working near hot areas  

Work safely with chemicals 

  • I use a less hazardous alternative whenever possible
  • I read the Safety Data Sheet and am aware of the materials I am handling
  • I wear appropriate PPE for the substances I will be exposed to
  • I follow other preventive measures, e.g. use for ventilation, warning signs, and closing/securing the container

Work safely at heights

  • I assess and use the right and approved technical equipment (portable ladder, lift, working platform, etc.) for the job
  • I ensure my working equipment is safe and in good condition
  • I always wear a safety harness and hook it properly to an appropriate anchorage point when required
  • I prevent unauthorised entries using barriers and signs
  • I secure my working tools from falling 

Work safely in confined spaces 

  • I do not enter a confined space if work can be done from the outside
  • The operation is supervised from start to end by competent personnel 
  • I get a work-permit and a contingency plan is in place
  • I am trained and competent to enter a confined space
  • I wear the right PPE all the time

Stay out of the line of fire

  • I protect myself from moving objects, vehicles, pressure releases, and dropping objects
  • I establish and obey barriers and exclusion zones
  • I report HS Observations if something is not safe

Operate forklifts safely 

  • I only operate a forklift if I am trained and authorised
  • I perform daily inspections before using a forklift
  • I always wear the required PPE; seat belts
  • I respect the load capacity
  • I stay alert to my surroundings
  • I follow internal routes and use signals 
  • I stay alert to my surroundings
  • I never carry passengers
  • I park safely

Be fit for duty

  • I plan my work in advance 
  • I am not under the influence of substances (alcohol, drugs, medicine) that could affect my performance
  • I do a S.A.F.E. check before starting a new task:
  • Self-check – Am I ready, focused, and in the right state of mind? 
  • Activity check  – Do I understand the task, risks, and sequence? 
  • Facility check – Is the equipment in good condition and safe to use?
  • Environment check – Are my surroundings safe, and are my colleagues ready, too?

At Palsgaard, 

Health and Safety is something we do for each other 

– and this is reflected in our Life-Saving Rules.