A new year brings new resolutions.

I typically struggle to decide on a meaningful resolution for myself. Previous years have included exercising more, reading from a book every day and learning to cook more nutritious meals. Over the years, I’ve had varying degrees of success.

For safety professionals, success with their work-related resolutions could mean the difference between injury-inducing hazards and a safe workplace.

Workplace safety blogger Phil La Duke compiled 10 resolutions he said safety professionals should consider, including keeping an open dialog and becoming more involved with contributions to the company’s bottom line.

In the January issue of Safety+Health, Colin Duncan, CEO of Ojai, CA-based safety consulting firm BST likewise lists a series of resolutions that could help safety professionals address challenges with their injury and illness prevention system.

Remember, whatever your resolutions may be, they won’t happen overnight.

“It begins with smaller steps that set the stage for what comes next,” Duncan said. “The key is to think long term.”

I’m interested in what your New Year’s resolutions for safety may be – let me know either in the comments or by email.

The opinions expressed in "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.