We are going through a very unique and trying time, not only in the history of our country, but in the history of our entire world. It can be overwhelming to think about the magnitude of the current situation, and its effects on society. Three weeks ago, we didn’t think anything about heading to the grocery store, or out to dinner and movie on a Friday evening. There was no thought of unusual risks involved in doing these things.

Fast forward to the present, and most everyone in the country is under some type of “shelter in place” directive. We have been instructed to stay at home in order to help flatten the curve. Now when we go to the grocery store, we don’t leave the house without hand sanitizer and wet wipes. We are constantly cleaning everything we touch and our hands. We maintain a distance of 6ft between ourselves and others, all because of a tiny submicroscopic infectious agent that we cannot see. It’s amazing to think that something so tiny can cause so much pain and disruption to our way of life. 

This reminds me of the importance of the little things in life and how we often take them for granted. As a safety professional, much of my focus is on the little things, because these are what cause injury and accidents. I’ll use a quote from Matt Bevin that I often refer to when thinking about the little things: “While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things are extraordinary.” 

The keystone of our company is our behavior-based safety system - Method Oriented Safety Thinking®. The central premise behind the system is the importance of performing a task using the right method and making it your habit. It’s about ensuring that the little things are accomplished without fail. When you look at major accidents, often you will find that it was a “little thing” or combination of little things that led to the accident. 

Think of the Columbia space shuttle disaster in 2003, that resulted in the loss of 7 astronauts, during a catastrophic explosion upon reentry. The cause of the explosion was traced back to a piece of debris that came off the nose of the shuttle during launch; which punctured a hole in the leading edge of the heat shield on the wing, about the size of a dinner plate. The hole allowed hot gases inside the wing and later, caused the explosion during re-entry. 

We are in a time right now when our individual actions and behaviors add up to make a big difference. The “little things” that we do now, such as staying home and practicing social distancing, add up to flatten the curve of infection along with preventing our health care system from being overwhelmed. Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”. Our combined efforts can make a difference. 

My suggestion during this unprecedented time, is take advantage of the “little things” that you don’t normally get to experience. Enjoy time with your family members. Learn something new. Pick up a new hobby. Read a good book or read several good books. 

Most importantly, remember the “little things” and how important they are. Understand that when this over, we will only be stronger for it.