Some workplace safety “truths” have been passed down for years, but that doesn’t make them right. In fact, some of the most common safety beliefs are flat-out dangerous. It’s time to call them out before they get someone hurt.
Here are some of the biggest myths that need to be put to bed:
1. “We’ve Always Done It This Way, and It’s Been Fine”
- Why it’s dangerous: Just because it worked before doesn’t mean it’s safe now.
- The fix: Regularly review procedures and update them based on new technology and best practices.
Just because something hasn’t caused an accident yet doesn’t mean it won’t. Luck is not a safety strategy. Every shortcut taken without consequence is just stacking the odds against you. The right way to do something is the safe way, not just the way it’s always been done.
This myth is especially dangerous because it resists change. New technology, updated regulations, and evolving best practices exist for a reason. Sticking to outdated methods means ignoring safer, more efficient ways to work. It’s only a matter of time before that “tried and true” approach fails in a catastrophic way.
“People with [differing] attitudes or inexperience think they can cut corners, but it will catch up with them eventually. It’s just like running stop signs, you might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later, disaster strikes.”
2. “More PPE Means More Safety”
- Why it’s dangerous: Too much PPE can reduce mobility and create new hazards.
- The fix: Use the hierarchy of controls, eliminate hazards first, then rely on PPE as a last line of defense.
PPE is essential, but it’s not a magic shield. Wearing thick gloves while handling tiny components can reduce grip and increase risk. Heavy gear in hot conditions can lead to heat exhaustion. Safety starts with eliminating hazards, not just piling on more protective equipment.
The key is the hierarchy of controls. Remove the hazard first. Substitute safer alternatives. Install engineering or administrative controls before relying solely on PPE. Workers need the right protection, not just more protection.
“Sometimes, extreme PPE requirements actually cause more problems. We had sites where tying off at two steps was mandatory, but workers were tripping over their harness cords. It wasn’t reasonable, and people got hurt because of it.”
3. “A Quick Task Doesn’t Need Full Safety Precautions”
- Why it’s dangerous: Accidents happen in seconds, especially when rushing.
- The fix: Treat every task, no matter how small, as an opportunity to follow proper safety procedures.
The worst accidents happen when people skip safety steps “just for a second.” It only takes a moment for a fall, a fire, or an amputation to happen. No job is too small for safety.
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“Every rule has been written in blood. People don’t take things seriously until someone gets hurt or a company gets sued. That’s why we drill safety into training, it has to stick before something bad happens.”
4. “If It’s Not an Injury, It’s Not a Big Deal”
- Why it’s dangerous: Near misses are warnings that something is wrong.
- The fix: Investigate and correct all near misses before they turn into serious accidents.
Near misses are flashing warning signs. Ignoring them guarantees that next time, someone will get hurt. Treat close calls like actual incidents, investigate, correct, and learn from them.
In industries like construction and manufacturing, near misses are often precursors to severe accidents. A worker who trips but doesn’t fall today might break a leg tomorrow. A machine that jams without consequence today might lead to an amputation next week. Reporting and addressing near misses prevent tragedies.
5. “Good Workers Don’t Need Safety Training”
- Why it’s dangerous: Experience can lead to overconfidence and complacency.
- The fix: Make regular safety training mandatory for all employees, no matter their experience level.
Experience doesn’t make anyone invincible. In fact, veteran workers are often the ones who get complacent. Training isn’t just for rookies, it’s for everyone, all the time.
“I don’t care if you have a master’s degree in safety. If you don’t have the experience, the network, and the mindset to keep learning, you’re not going to be a good safety person. Training is never just a ‘one and done.”
6. “Slower Work Is Safer Work”
- Why it’s dangerous: Moving too slowly can cause inefficiencies and increase risk.
- The fix: Focus on smart work, trained, controlled, and precise, rather than just slow work.
Rushing is dangerous, but moving at a crawl isn’t the answer either. Safety is about working smart, not just slow. Proper training and good procedures allow workers to be both safe and efficient.
Think about high-risk jobs like firefighting or emergency response. Speed is necessary, but it’s trained, controlled, and precise. The same applies to workplaces. Efficiency and safety go hand in hand when workers follow procedures correctly.
7. “Only High-Risk Jobs Require Safety”
- Why it’s dangerous: Every workplace has risks, even offices.
- The fix: Promote workplace-wide safety initiatives. That includes ergonomics, mental health, and general hazard awareness.
Office workers don’t wear hard hats, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Ergonomics, air quality, mental health, and electrical hazards all pose serious threats in lower-risk jobs. Safety applies everywhere.
“Workplace safety is expanding beyond just physical hazards. We’re seeing a shift in how mental well-being is incorporated into safety culture, and that’s a game-changer.”
8. “Accidents Just Happen”
- Why it’s dangerous: Almost all workplace accidents are preventable.
- The fix: Build a proactive safety culture where workers feel responsible for identifying and addressing hazards.
No, they don’t. Almost every workplace accident is preventable. Ignoring risks, skipping procedures, and relying on luck is a choice, and it’s a bad one.
“I’ve seen companies turn their safety culture around. I’ve seen workers who used to resist safety rules become the biggest advocates. Change is possible when leadership backs it up and workers buy in.”
Why These Myths Persist
These myths stick around because they feel convenient. They let companies justify cutting corners. They let workers excuse unsafe habits, and supervisors ignore risks. But just because something is widely believed doesn’t mean it’s true, or safe.
Time to Kill the Myths
Bad safety beliefs don’t just cause confusion, they cause injuries. The truth is simple: safety isn’t about tradition, assumptions, or luck. It’s about action, awareness, and accountability.
So, what myths are still floating around your workplace? And more importantly, how do you plan to shut them down?
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