Stop Work Authority: speaking up can save lives
10 Life-Saving Rules for safer work
Safety depends on more than procedures. It depends on people recognising risk, making the right decisions and feeling confident enough to speak up when something is unsafe. At Atlas NextWave, our Life-Saving Rules are designed to reinforce the behaviours that matter most in high-risk working environments and support our wider Zero Harm approach.
1. Prevent falls before they happen
Always use the correct fall-prevention measures where there is a risk of falling. Working at height requires preparation, the right equipment and constant awareness of the environment around you.
2. Know what to do in an emergency
Every person should understand the emergency procedures relevant to their workplace before work begins. Knowing where to go, what to do and who to contact can make a critical difference when every second counts.
3. Drive safely and defensively
Make sure the vehicle you are using is safe and suitable for the journey, and always drive defensively. Safe driving means anticipating risk, adapting to conditions and avoiding unnecessary exposure.
4. Understand what can go wrong
Before starting a task, consider the hazards, what could go wrong and the controls needed to prevent it. Good safety starts with thinking ahead rather than reacting after something happens.
5. Isolate energy before work begins
Before starting work, make sure relevant energy sources have been properly isolated and de-energised. Never assume equipment is safe simply because it appears inactive.
6. Wear the right PPE
Personal protective equipment is a critical last line of defence. Always wear the PPE required for the task and make sure it is suitable, correctly fitted and in good condition.
7. Stay out of the line of fire
Be aware of where energy, equipment or materials could move unexpectedly. Position yourself so that you are not exposed to moving objects, suspended loads, pressure releases or other potential hazards.
8. Control confined-space entry
Only enter a confined space when the required controls are in place and have been verified. Confined spaces can contain hazards that are not immediately visible, making preparation and control essential.
9. Reduce your environmental impact
Safety and responsibility extend beyond personal wellbeing. Reduce waste where possible, reuse materials and recycle appropriately to help minimise the environmental impact of the work we do.
10. Stop work when something is unsafe
If a task feels unsafe to start or continue, stop. Everyone has a responsibility to speak up, challenge unsafe conditions and prevent an incident before it happens.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
Our Life-Saving Rules provide a simple, consistent foundation for safer work, but rules alone are not enough. Safety depends on awareness, preparation, communication and the willingness to act when something does not feel right. Through Zero Harm, Atlas NextWave combines workforce preparation with in-house Health & Safety expertise, helping professionals work more safely and helping clients identify recurring risks, strengthen safety behaviour and create safer working environments.
