There's probably a handful of golden rules out there that if everyone followed, life would be simpler and more pleasant. Chief among them is Do to Others as You Would Have Them Do to You. I'd include a Happy Spouse is a Happy Life and the super critical Feed the Dog or Cat First in the Morning (there's nothing more painfully uncomfortable than a pet's dramatic antics first thing in the morning when they act like they haven't had food for months).

As far as safety on the construction work site, I have condensed an entire construction company safety plan binder down to one golden rule that if followed religiously will reduce and maybe even eliminate worksite accidents and worker injuries.

Sure, there are safety rules that should be followed like:

• Keep your mind focused on the task at hand.

• Wear personal safety equipment.

• Take precautions against sunburns.

• Don't use drugs and alcohol while working.

• Keep the jobsite clean and clutter free.

• Lift with your legs, not your back. If a load is too heavy, be a MAN (or woMAN) and ask for help.

• No one should ride on a machine unless properly seated.

• Never service, repair, oil, lubricate, adjust, or fuel equipment that is running.

But all of that is covered in my succinct golden rule. So… what's my Ultimate Contractor Safety Plan that should be posted, tweeted, tattooed, and internalized by every project manager, supervisor, and worker?

Here it is:

If the task cannot be done safely, it cannot be done!