35 People Share Workplace Safety Fails That Will Make You Wonder About Safety Officers’ Sanity
Safety first, people!
Workplace safety is no laughing matter. Yet, even in these modern times, some people believe that safety rules only slow them down.
In their minds, these rules are created by bureaucrats who have never worked a day in their lives and spend most of their time devising new ways to make work difficult for those who actually contribute to this country’s economy. However, safety rules exist for a reason.
They are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. They are not merely a collection of terms and procedures written on a piece of paper.
Generations of workers have died on construction sites for us to reach today’s levels of workplace safety.
The r/OSHA subreddit is a place where people can share examples of blatant disrespect for safety regulations and common sense. It’s incredible to see how individuals put their lives in danger just to save a couple of minutes.
What’s more frightening is that they are also endangering others. Blocked fire and emergency exits are simply unacceptable. How can people be so irresponsible?
We have chosen 35 of the most interesting and frightening examples. Take a look, and use it as a rulebook for what not to do. Ever.
1. “A buddy of mine who was born completely deaf in one ear hit the PPE lottery today”
PGids2. “Call to locate the underground power lines? Nah, you don’t need to do that…”
dacsmema3. “Gonna have to bring a ruler to the bathroom”
aondneaa
Understanding Workplace Safety Culture
Dr. Alan Morris, an occupational health psychologist at Harvard University, emphasizes that a strong safety culture is vital for preventing workplace accidents.
His research shows that when employees feel empowered to speak up about safety concerns, it leads to a more proactive approach to risk management.
This not only protects individual workers but also enhances overall organizational efficiency and morale.
4. “Corporate says tires are too expensive, and all of our delivery vans are just fine”
Yggdrasil5218
5. We didn't start the fire...
ChobaniTheSecond
6. “Totally passes the inspection”
NuckChorris81
Studies in industrial psychology indicate that a lack of communication regarding safety can lead to increased incidents and lower employee morale.
According to research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, organizations with open communication channels often experience fewer accidents and a stronger commitment to safety protocols.
Creating an environment where employees feel safe to voice concerns is essential for fostering a culture of safety.
7. “It’s like a Lock Out tag, just different”
“For the record, that means double, ‘Do not bother,’ in Spanish”
brobosky
8. “A forklift with zero safety features. No clue how old this thing is; couldn’t find a data plate.”
ForkliftUnfucker
9. “How many men does it take to screw in a lightbulb?”
neotokyo2099
Encouraging Safety Reporting
To cultivate a safety-first mindset, organizations can implement training programs that encourage employees to report hazards without fear of repercussions.
This aligns with the principles of positive reinforcement, where recognizing and rewarding safe behavior can motivate others to follow suit.
Additionally, regular safety audits and open forums for discussion can promote transparency and trust within teams.
10. “Seems safe enough”
Chaps_Jr
11. “My buddy sent this to me. I’m at a loss for words…”
HGcardinal55
12. “So instead of renting a pole saw to cut the root that was in the way of their drilled shaft, they decided to duct tape a chainsaw to a 4x4. That also means duct taping the throttle wide open along with duct taping the deadman switch.”
dacsmema
On an individual level, employees can adopt proactive behaviors by actively participating in safety training and sharing personal experiences related to safety.
Engaging in conversations about safety not only raises awareness but also fosters a collective responsibility toward maintaining a safe work environment.
By taking ownership of safety, individuals can contribute to a culture that values and prioritizes health and well-being.
13. “Some welders came into my house; this is their welding machine and electric cord…”
NPredetor_97
14. “Hang in there, buddy…”
skuzzlebut90
15. “Who decided that this was a good idea?”
johnvosh
16. “The safest way to carry lifts of lumber from one part of a yard to a waiting truck! Up in the air above the cab while driving forward. Lol! I see these guys doing this every time I go to this yard.”
Ohnomypants1234
17. “We all know the feeling”
Teimo
18. “I love grinding in the gas room”
TheBlindHarper
19. "A tractor-powered saw bench"
ChobaniTheSecond
20. “Can’t decide between 1 and 2”
ChobaniTheSecond
21. “The building across the street from my job is being worked on, and this was the setup the contractors used to remove damaged bricks, which they dropped directly onto the sidewalk.”
jacksonattack
22. Totally safe...
tiktak7871
23. Something is off here....
Seaweed-Constant
24. “Caught me taking a pic”
Ssedated23
25. “Rules enforced via angry forklift”
zoalcoalt
26. “No emergency exit for you!”
ready_delete
27. “That should be enough to stop the fire from getting in.”
stanrandom
28. “But tell me, how am I supposed to mitigate stupidity in my job hazard assessment form?”
AndMyChisel
29. “At least they don’t have to worry about the top rung of the ladder.”
KAPUTNIK1714
30. “Efficient? Pointlessly dangerous? Something about walking the plank to take a dump”
WrestleWithJimny
31. “In case of fire, wade through flammables.”
phoneatworkguy
32. “On flip-flops…”
Jurandy_Moraes
33. Don't worry, got you covered.
ludwigrx
34. “Ehh, just throw some cardboard in there... 480v never hurt anyone!”
-Krispy-
35. “I still do stuff like this at work because some places (and people) are just hard to reach.”
13goody13
It is pretty amazing to see how irresponsible people can be, right? A total of 5,333 workers died from work-related injuries in the U.S. in 2019, up 2% from 2018.
The fatal work injury rate was 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers. And we still haven’t learned our lesson.
Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the critical importance of communication in fostering a culture of safety.
Empowering individuals to speak up can significantly enhance workplace safety and well-being.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Psychological insights reveal that a strong safety culture is key to preventing workplace accidents.
According to Dr. Dan Ariely, behavioral economist, "Creating an environment where employees feel safe to communicate openly about safety concerns is crucial for reducing accidents." He emphasizes that fostering such an atmosphere can significantly enhance both safety and employee morale.
Ultimately, a proactive approach to safety can lead to better outcomes for both individuals and organizations.
