Story by Nothando Phulu (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nothando-phulu-42a1362b2_human-life-is-sacrosanct-non-negotiable-activity-7448766103582855168–Sqm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAF0PwG8BbTJioTHmt4Roul03HpAiqTgvm6s)
Early morning the 12th of April 2026 (from where i come from 🇿🇼 ) we the world watched the successful splashdown of our close personal friends the Artemis II mission. Four astronauts travelled thousands of kilometres into space and safely returned home to Earth. Think about that for a moment! They left our planet and they came back alive. But what made that possible? Was it luck? Was it chance? No! It was a function of accurate calculation, great engineering and well coordinated occupational safety and health systems.
Safety is planned, not assumed. Before Artemis II launched, every scenario, failure, weather, human error was anticipated and planned for. And as such in your workplaces, safety must be proactive not reactive.
Multiple layers of protection are required.
From spacecraft design to emergency recovery teams in the ocean, safety systems are layered. Again, in your workplace you need layered hazard control safety systems! You need engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE, procedures and supervision. Not just one line of defense!
Training Saves Lives! Astronauts train for years, including worst case scenarios. You also must increase competence of your workforce through trainings. They range from hazard identification, risk assessment, incident management, emergency management, vision zero, standard operating procedures, you name them all. Trainings plays a very crucial role.
No compromise on human life should ever be allowed in your workplaces. There must be zero tolerance for shortcuts when lives are at stake. As already illuminated, i say to you human life is sacrosanct non negotiable therefore productivity should never override worker safety. SAFETY ALWAYS must be your mantra.
Safety is a Culture. Your organizations must build a strong safety culture, where everyone is responsible. Organizational leadership must have an uncompromising commitment to safety at the highest level. Now let me ask you as a safety practitioner, engineer, production manager, if that level of care is given to four astronauts What about your workers on your site? I Know it happened at a high level, some will say its high realizability systems compared to your level and workplace. But the principle remains the same and i want you to draw lessons here of ensuring employees go back home safely to their families every day, work in dignity not in unsafe or degrading conditions, are protected from injury and preventable risks.
Behind every worker is a family. Behind every job is a life that matters. There is no job so urgent.No target so important.No deadline so critical that it cannot be done safely. So today, let this not just be a talk. Let it be a turning point, mindset shift, culture change.
