Some workers think they’re invincible. They’ve been doing the job for years, maybe decades, without a serious accident. They cut corners, ignore PPE, and scoff at safety rules. In their minds, nothing bad has ever happened to them, so why would it start now?
That’s a dangerous way to think. Overconfidence kills.
“We’re not in the business of teaching rules. We’re in the business of changing behavior.”
The Illusion of Experience
The longer someone works a job without injury, the more they believe they’re immune. But experience isn’t a shield, it’s a tool. And when workers stop respecting the risks, they make mistakes.
Take veteran construction workers, for example. They’ve climbed ladders a thousand times without harnesses, so one more won’t hurt, until it does. Or warehouse workers who’ve driven forklifts for years and start skipping seatbelts. Every accident victim was fine until they weren’t.
“A fellow had given a safety talk on fall protection… the next day, he didn’t do what he’d advised. He fell off and impaled himself on rebar. Everyone who saw or heard about it was affected.“
Overconfidence Leads to Complacency
Confidence isn’t the problem, complacency is. Workers who think “it won’t happen to me” start cutting safety corners.
“You can have the best systems, the best equipment… but if people don’t feel empowered to use them, you’ll always struggle to be safe.“
Each of these choices might not cause an accident today. But stack enough of them together, and disaster is just a matter of time.
The problem is, complacency spreads. When experienced workers downplay safety, newer employees follow their lead. Before long, cutting corners becomes the workplace norm.
“They see safety as an impediment, something to work around. But if they’re proud of their programs, if they care deeply, then culture changes.“
Jeff Mulligan – COO, Aztec Safety
No One is Exempt from Risk
Even the best workers make mistakes. And some risks aren’t even in their control, faulty equipment, sudden weather changes, other people’s errors.
“Safety isn’t just about protecting your body, it’s about caring for the people around you. If not, you’ll always find ways to cut corners.“
Breaking the Mindset
Employers and safety leaders can help stop the “invincible worker” mentality. Here’s how:
“Lead with the heart. Ground safety in emotional intelligence. On some level, you have to care about your fellow human being.“
“We often only get the wake-up call after something terrible happens. The key is to instill safety before the cost is human.“
Jeff Mulligan – COO, Aztec Safety
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Wake-Up Call
The workers who think “it won’t happen to me” are the ones most at risk. Overconfidence isn’t a safety net, it’s a blindfold. And when accidents happen, there’s no rewind button.
There are two types of workers: those who take safety seriously, and those who learn the hard way. Stay sharp. Stay safe. Because it can happen to you.
Work smart. Stay strong. Speak up.
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