0Introduction Safetybook
0.1 Introduction - biblical fundamentals
Safety and discipleship
These notions don’t seem to get together.
Doesn’t Jesus order his disciples, to leave all securities behind? On the other hand, we find a lot of safety regulations in the bible, that are necessary for healthfully living together.
There have always been accidents. Best known is the horse-riding accident of the Absalom, where he was caught with his hair in the branches ( 2. Sam. 18, 9), and the fatal falling accident in Troas, where a young men fell asleep and out of the window in the third story, while Paul was preaching (Apg. 20,9).
There are reports of accidents with animals, for example with a bull ( 2. Mo 21,28). Then there are accidents with technical products, for example through a detached head of an axe ( 5. Mo. 19,5) or the fall of the tower of Siloam, where 18 people were killed (Luk. 13,4).
So the bible shows us diverse protective measures, which are still valid in the following hierarchy,
because protective measures are irreplaceable!
TOP occupational health and safety –measures
technical, organisational, personal
We distinguish in three ranges in the given hierarchy:
1. Technical protective measures
for example the building of railings on the roof (Num. 22,8).
First it should be checked, if the exposure to danger can be avoided through technical means,
for example dispose defected equipment, use electrical sockets with child-protection.
2. Organisational protective measures
like avoiding contact with infectious material as well as cleaning regulations (Lev. 15,5 + 11,24-5).
If protection can not be reached through technical measures, then the endangered persons should be separated from the source of risks, for example housecleaning should be done when no persons are in the building.
3. Personal protective measures
as breastplates against hack and stab injuries (1. Sam. 17,38). Using personal safety equipment remains as the last possibility, because it can merely help, to reduce the influence of the source of risks, for example gloves, non skid safety shoes.
That results are unfortunately not always in the desired shape, as we find it in the story of David and Goliath. We also understand that protective clothing must be comfortable, otherwise it will not be used.