This article from Makezine.com hit my inbox recently.  Woodshop, machine shop, handsaws and chisels can all cause injury and at times, death.  Constant vigilance and evaluation of our skills is the only way to reduce the our chances, and our students chances, of injury.  Take a moment today to evaluate your own practices and routines and maybe talk with a colleague to get a fresh pair of eyes on the situation.  Don’t settle.

Make it safe – When you create, create in a way which will keep your toes, fingers, golden locks and good looks intact.

Keep the rubber side down – The last words my father and I say to each other (well, sometimes) before we hit the road before a motorcycle ride.  Keep yourself within your “bounds”, meaning working within your current skill limits.  Ride below your performance envelope, so when it hits the fan, you have enough in the reserve to ride it out.

Make it safe & keep the rubber side down.