Ditch the ‘Tough Guy’ Mentality
Too many workers risk injury by refusing help to appear tough. This article explains how asking for help and supporting others boosts safety for the whole team.
What Your First Workplace Injury Teaches You (The Hard Way)
Home Blog What Your First Workplace Injury Teaches You (The Hard Way) Learning moments from the field. By Aldynne Belmont Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Every worker remembers their first workplace injury. Not because they want to—but because it changes the way they see safety forever. Maybe it was a bruised finger, a back injury from bad lifting, or a slip that sent you home for the day. Whatever it was, it taught you a lesson you’ll never forget. One that, in hindsight, was probably preventable. The Moment It Clicks Before an injury, it’s easy to assume accidents happen to other people. You might hear safety talks and think, “Yeah, yeah, I know.” Then one day, you don’t double-check a machine lockout. You skip the gloves. You take that shortcut. And suddenly, safety isn’t just a workplace rule—it’s personal. For many workers, that’s when it clicks: Safety rules aren’t about inconvenience. They’re there to help you! Common First Injuries (And What They Teach You) The “I Just Need to Grab This” Hand Injury Lesson learned: Gloves exist for a reason. Even a quick adjustment can put you at risk. A nick this time could mean stitches later. Don’t risk it! The “I Thought It Was Stable” Ladder Fall Lesson learned: Always check your footing. One moment of overconfidence can cost you. The “It Wasn’t That Heavy” Back Strain Lesson learned: Proper lifting techniques matter. Your spine doesn’t get a redo. You only have one spine, so play it smart! The “I’ll Be Quick” Electrical Shock Lesson learned: Lockout/tagout isn’t optional, full stop. The Cost Even small injuries have big consequences. A sprained wrist can mean lost wages. A bad cut can sideline you for weeks. A moment of carelessness is never worth it. And here’s the kicker—most first injuries don’t happen in high-risk situations. They happen in routine moments, when workers think they’re safe. How to Learn the Lesson Without the Pain Some people need to get hurt to take safety seriously, but in a perfect world, it shouldn’t come to that. There’s no better safety teacher than earnestly listening, and then applying lessons learned. Listen to veterans. If experienced workers say, “Don’t do that,” believe them. They’ve seen what happens. Follow the rules, even when no one’s watching. The shortcut that worked today could fail tomorrow. Think about life outside of work. Your job is important, but so is being able to pick up your kids, play sports, or even just move without pain. The Best Injury Is the One That Never Happens Ask any seasoned worker, and they’ll tell you: If they could go back, they’d do things differently. The best way to learn from your first workplace injury? Don’t have one. Stay sharp. Stay safe. Because no lesson is worth learning the hard way. BIS Social Media Stay connected with BIS Safety Software for the latest in safety innovations, training tools, industry insights, and company news. Click any icon below to follow us and keep BIS updates just a tap away. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive 360immersive accident prevention Alberta safety courses Allan James Moore avoidable injuries awareness back strain BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS Podcast BIS Safety Software black holes Brave Leadership burnout carbon monoxide chemical chemical vapors chronic injuries chronic pain Coming Soon community safety programs Compliance compliance courses compliance tools compliance vs protection Construction advocacy Construction education Construction industry construction safety training continuous safety improvement crane customized training daily trip inspection Danny Sellers data-driven safety digital forms Dr. Joanna Pagonis driver file management driver training early intervention EHS Einstein electrical safety emergency preparedness emergency response emergency supplies emotional training employee health employee safety employee training ergonomic risks ergonomics evidence collection exoskeletons fall protection field safety field safety services fire prevention first aid kit first week on the job first workplace injury fleet management frontline safety gravitational waves hand injuries hands-on training hazard communication hazard prevention hazard recognition Health & Safety Podcast hearing loss prevention heavy equipment safety hidden workplace hazards high voltage systems HR automation HR software human-centered safety humor in safety immersive learning Imposter Syndrome incident data incident investigation incident reporting industrial safety injury consequences injury prevention injury prevention tips injury recovery injury reporting injury response injury response plan internal audits invisible dangers Jennifer Lastra job site hazards job site risks job site safety Jody Young KBR Safety Training ladder safety Leadership leadership accountability leadership and empathy learning from incidents lifting techniques LIGO LMS lockout tagout lone workers mental health at work MI Safety minor injuries new workers no-blame investigations noise exposure Northern BC NRCA NSC Standard 13 occupational fatigue occupational hazards occupational health occupational safety oil and gas safety onboarding safety Online safety training organizational safety OSHA compliance OSHA standards overhead crane courses pain awareness personal protective equipment physics careers pipeline safety podcast post-accident review post-incident protocol PPE PPE enforcement PPE improvement pre-trip inspection pretrip inspection proactive safety measures. Professional development psychological hazards psychological safety repetitive motion injuries respirator safety risk management risk reduction road safety Robin Postnikoff root cause analysis routine task risks safety safety accountability safety advice safety article safety awareness safety best practices safety communication safety compliance Safety Conversations safety culture safety engagement safety follow-up safety gear safety habits safety innovation safety insights safety inspection Safety Leaders safety leadership safety lessons safety management safety management system safety metrics safety motivation. safety myths safety podcast safety procedure updates safety review process safety shortcuts Safety Spotlight safety systems safety technology safety theater safety tips safety training safety transparency silent dangers silica dust Sinogap Solutions slow-building hazards smart helmets space science supervisor training team communication Total Recordable Injury Formula toxic air training training courses training matrix training record management transportation Trust and Accountability unseen workplace threats vehicle safety veteran advice Virtual Reality VR safety training VR Technology wearable technology WHMIS witness statements women in leadership work-alone training work-related injuries worker accountability worker protection worker safety worker safety habits worker trust workforce management workforce training workplace accidents workplace air
The Dangers You Can’t See
Home Blog The Dangers You Can’t See The hidden workplace hazards you need to know about. By Aldynne Belmont Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Some workplace dangers are obvious. Heavy machinery, heights, electrical wires—everyone knows to be cautious around them. But the hazards you don’t see? Those can be just as deadly. Invisible risks lurk in every job site, creeping up unnoticed until it’s too late. If you’re not paying attention, they can take you down before you even realize they’re there. The Hidden Threats You Need to Know Toxic Air – Dust, fumes, and invisible gases don’t just make breathing harder—they can silently destroy your lungs. Carbon monoxide, silica dust, and chemical vapors can be odorless and lethal. If ventilation isn’t enough, wear a respirator. Your lungs don’t get a second chance. Hearing Loss – You won’t notice it at first. A little ringing after a shift, some muffled sounds. But long-term exposure to loud environments can cause irreversible hearing damage. The worst part? You won’t even realize it’s happening until you’re struggling to hear conversations. Protect your ears before the damage is done. Fatigue – Lack of sleep is just as dangerous as working drunk. Slower reflexes, poor decision-making, and zoning out on the job can turn an ordinary task into a deadly mistake. If you’re exhausted, you’re a hazard—to yourself and everyone around you. Repetitive Motion Injuries – Small, repeated movements might not seem dangerous, but over time, they wear your body down. Poor lifting techniques, bad posture, and repetitive strain add up to chronic pain, lost workdays, and surgeries. Adjust your workspace. Take breaks. Don’t ignore the aches. Psychological Hazards – Stress, anxiety, and burnout don’t just affect your mood—they impact your ability to work safely. Distracted, overwhelmed workers are more likely to make dangerous mistakes. Mental health matters just as much as physical safety. Why These Dangers Are So Easy to Ignore Unlike a fall or a fire, these hazards don’t create instant chaos. They creep in quietly. They don’t feel urgent—until the damage is done. That’s what makes them so dangerous. No one feels their lungs getting weaker until years of exposure catch up. No one notices their hearing going until the damage is irreversible. No one thinks they’re too tired to work safely—until they make a deadly mistake. How to Protect Yourself from What You Can’t See Recognize the Risk – Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Stay aware of hidden dangers. Use the Right Gear – PPE isn’t just for obvious risks. Respirators, hearing protection, and ergonomic supports make all the difference. Take Breaks – Fatigue and repetitive strain don’t announce themselves. Pay attention to your body before it forces you to stop. Report Issues – Poor air quality, excessive noise, unrealistic workloads—if something feels wrong, speak up. Waiting could cost you your health. Make Safety a Habit – Don’t wait for symptoms. Preventative action is the only way to avoid slow-building hazards. Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind The most dangerous threats are the ones you ignore. Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting you. Protect yourself before the damage is done. Stay sharp. Stay safe. Sure, the biggest hazards can often sneak up on you, but a vigilant worker is a safe worker. BIS Social Media Stay connected with BIS Safety Software for the latest in safety innovations, training tools, industry insights, and company news. Click any icon below to follow us and keep BIS updates just a tap away. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive 360immersive accident prevention Alberta safety courses Allan James Moore avoidable injuries awareness back strain BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS Podcast BIS Safety Software black holes Brave Leadership burnout carbon monoxide chemical chemical vapors chronic injuries chronic pain Coming Soon community safety programs Compliance compliance courses compliance tools compliance vs protection Construction advocacy Construction education Construction industry construction safety training continuous safety improvement crane customized training daily trip inspection Danny Sellers data-driven safety digital forms Dr. Joanna Pagonis driver file management driver training early intervention EHS Einstein electrical safety emergency preparedness emergency response emergency supplies emotional training employee health employee safety employee training ergonomic risks ergonomics evidence collection exoskeletons fall protection field safety field safety services fire prevention first aid kit first week on the job first workplace injury fleet management frontline safety gravitational waves hand injuries hands-on training hazard communication hazard prevention hazard recognition Health & Safety Podcast hearing loss prevention heavy equipment safety hidden workplace hazards high voltage systems HR automation HR software human-centered safety humor in safety immersive learning Imposter Syndrome incident data incident investigation incident reporting industrial safety injury consequences injury prevention injury prevention tips injury recovery injury reporting injury response injury response plan internal audits invisible dangers Jennifer Lastra job site hazards job site risks job site safety Jody Young KBR Safety Training ladder safety Leadership leadership accountability leadership and empathy learning from incidents lifting techniques LIGO LMS lockout tagout lone workers mental health at work MI Safety minor injuries new workers no-blame investigations noise exposure Northern BC NRCA NSC Standard 13 occupational fatigue occupational hazards occupational health occupational safety oil and gas safety onboarding safety Online safety training organizational safety OSHA compliance OSHA standards overhead crane courses pain awareness personal protective equipment physics careers pipeline safety podcast post-accident review post-incident protocol PPE PPE enforcement PPE improvement pre-trip inspection pretrip inspection proactive safety measures. Professional development psychological hazards psychological safety repetitive motion injuries respirator safety risk management risk reduction road safety Robin Postnikoff root cause analysis routine task risks safety safety accountability safety advice safety article safety awareness safety best practices safety communication safety compliance Safety Conversations safety culture safety engagement safety follow-up safety gear safety habits safety innovation safety insights safety inspection Safety Leaders safety leadership safety lessons safety management safety management system safety metrics safety motivation. safety myths safety podcast safety procedure updates safety review process safety shortcuts Safety Spotlight safety systems safety technology
The PPE Excuse
Home Blog The PPE Excuse Why Workers Skip It and How to Change That By Shilpa Sharma Facebook Twitter LinkedIn PPE saves lives, but too many workers skip it. Hard hats, gloves, and safety glasses get ignored, forgotten, or dismissed. The excuses are endless: “It’s uncomfortable.” “It slows me down.” “I’ve never needed it before.” But PPE only works if you wear it. A few seconds of hassle isn’t worth a lifetime of injury. Why Workers Skip PPE Workers give plenty of reasons for not wearing PPE, but none of them justify the risk. Understanding these excuses is the first step in fixing the problem. Too Uncomfortable: If PPE is hot, tight, or bulky, workers ditch it. Uncomfortable gear leads to improper use or outright refusal. False Security: “Nothing bad has happened yet” isn’t a safety plan. Just because an accident hasn’t happened doesn’t mean it won’t. Rushing the Job: Some think skipping PPE saves time, but accidents steal far more. A quick shortcut today could lead to months—or even a lifetime—of recovery. Peer Pressure: If others ignore PPE, workers follow suit. Nobody wants to be the only one following the rules while everyone else cuts corners. Weak Enforcement: If leaders don’t enforce PPE, workers won’t take it seriously. A rule that isn’t reinforced might as well not exist. The Real Cost of Skipping PPE You don’t need PPE—until you do. One missed moment can mean a lifetime of damage. PPE isn’t about inconvenience—it’s about survival. Eye injuries: Flying debris, sparks, and chemicals can cause blindness in seconds. Safety glasses aren’t optional; they’re necessary protection. Hearing loss: Loud environments destroy hearing. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Many workers who skip ear protection wish they hadn’t—when it’s too late. Head trauma: One hit to the head without a helmet can be fatal. A single moment of neglect can lead to a life-altering injury. Burns and chemical exposure: Gloves and protective gear prevent lasting scars— or worse. Skin doesn’t grow back the same after severe burns. Amputations : Machines don’t care about mistakes. Hands, fingers, and limbs can be lost in an instant. PPE can be the last line of defense between a worker and disaster. How to Fix the PPE Problem Fixing PPE compliance isn’t about forcing workers into gear they hate. It’s about creating a culture where PPE is second nature, not an afterthought. Workers should have PPE that fits well and feels comfortable. No one should choose between safety and comfort. PPE should be easy to grab and always stocked in plain sight so workers don’t have to search for it. Enforcing PPE rules is essential. There should be no exceptions to a “no PPE, no work” policy. Workers need to understand why PPE matters, and real injury stories can drive the message home. A strong PPE culture means workers look out for each other and fix unsafe habits as they happen. Signs and posters keep safety fresh in workers’ minds. Calling out those who follow the rules builds better habits. Training should be ongoing, not just a one time event, and leadership must set the example. If supervisors don’t wear PPE, workers won’t either. Final Thought: No Excuses, Just Safety Skipping PPE isn’t tough—it’s reckless. No one is invincible. No job is worth blindness, burns, or lost limbs. PPE exists because real dangers exist. Wearing it isn’t just about following rules—it’s about survival. Make the right choice. Wear the gear. Stay safe. BIS Social Media Stay connected with BIS Safety Software for the latest in safety innovations, training tools, industry insights, and company news. Click any icon below to follow us and keep BIS updates just a tap away. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive Alberta safety courses awareness BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS Safety Software black holes chemical chronic injuries community safety programs Compliance compliance courses compliance tools compliance vs protection Construction advocacy Construction education Construction industry construction safety training crane customized training daily trip inspection Danny Sellers data-driven safety digital forms driver file management driver training early intervention EHS Einstein emergency preparedness emergency supplies employee health employee safety employee training ergonomics exoskeletons fall protection field safety field safety services fire prevention first aid kit first week on the job fleet management gravitational waves hands-on training hazard communication hazard prevention heavy equipment safety high voltage systems HR automation HR software incident data incident reporting industrial safety injury prevention injury reporting injury response internal audits Jennifer Lastra job site hazards job site risks job site safety Jody Young KBR Safety Training Leadership leadership accountability LIGO LMS lone workers mental health at work MI Safety new workers Northern BC NRCA NSC Standard 13 occupational health occupational safety oil and gas safety onboarding safety Online safety training OSHA compliance OSHA standards overhead crane courses pain awareness physics careers pipeline safety PPE PPE enforcement pre-trip inspection pretrip inspection Professional development psychological safety risk management road safety Robin Postnikoff safety safety advice safety article safety best practices safety compliance safety culture safety innovation safety insights safety inspection safety leadership safety management safety management system safety myths safety systems safety technology safety theater safety tips safety training smart helmets space science supervisor training Total Recordable Injury Formula training training courses training matrix training record management transportation vehicle safety Virtual Reality VR Technology wearable technology WHMIS women in leadership work-alone training worker accountability worker protection worker safety workforce management workforce training workplace best practices workplace certification workplace hazards workplace health workplace injury prevention workplace risk management Workplace safety workplace wellness WSPS Transportation Safety Week Offers April 11, 2025 Transportation Safety Week is the perfect time to boost driver safety. 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The First Week on the Job
Home Blog The First Week on the Job Why New Workers Face the Highest Risk Lastra talks psychology, VR, and AI in workplace training. By Dinesh Kumar Facebook Twitter LinkedIn New workers are the most likely to get injured on the job. They don’t know the risks, they’restill learning the rules. They hesitate to ask questions for fear of looking inexperienced. Thatcombination makes the first week on the job one of the most dangerous times in a worker’scareer. New workers are more likely to get hurt in their first month than experienced ones.It’s not just inexperience. It’s pressure, hesitation, and lack of preparation. Why Are New Workers at Higher Risk? Lack of Experience: They don’t know the job, the risks, or the safest way to do tasks. Without hands-on knowledge, they’re more likely to make mistakes. Inadequate Training: If safety training is rushed or skipped, they’re left to figure things out alone. Watching a quick safety video isn’t the same as real instruction. Pressure to Prove Themselves: No one wants to be the slowest worker. Some take risks to keep up, avoid asking questions, or attempt tasks they aren’t ready for. Unfamiliar Worksites: Every job site is different. Without proper guidance, simple mistakes turn dangerous. Even a small misstep in a new environment can lead to a serious accident. Hesitation to Speak Up: New workers don’t want to rock the boat. If something feels unsafe, they might stay silent instead of asking for help. They fear looking incompetent or slowing down production. How to Keep New Workers Safe New workers need more than a quick safety briefing—they need real guidance. Safety training should come before the first task, not after. New hires must understand risks before stepping onto the job site. Pairing them with experienced workers helps build safe habits fast. A buddy system ensures they have someone to ask when in doubt. Supervisors should push workers to ask questions and check in often. Asking for help isn’t weakness— it’s smart. Rushing causes mistakes. New hires need time to get it right before they get it fast. If a new worker is involved in a near-miss or accident, it should be a learning moment, not just a reprimand. Understanding why mistakes happen prevents them from repeating. Hands-on training is critical—reading safety guidelines isn’t enough. Workers need hands-on training before facing real risks. Lastly, safety culture starts from the top. If seasoned workers take shortcuts, new hires will too. Lead by example—when safety is a priority at every level, new workers follow suit. Final Thought: Safety Starts on Day One A worker’s first week can set the tone for their entire career. If safety isn’t a priority then, it won’t be later. Train early. Reinforce often. Make safety the expectation, not an afterthought. The best workplaces don’t just teach skills—they teach workers how to stay alive. New workers don’t have to learn safety through injury. They just need the right guidance, the right training, and the right culture to back them up. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive Alberta safety courses awareness BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS Podcast BIS Safety Software black holes chemical chronic injuries Coming Soon community safety programs Compliance compliance courses compliance tools compliance vs protection Construction advocacy Construction education Construction industry construction safety training crane customized training daily trip inspection Danny Sellers data-driven safety digital forms driver file management driver training early intervention EHS Einstein emergency preparedness emergency supplies employee health employee safety employee training ergonomics exoskeletons fall protection field safety field safety services fire prevention first aid kit first week on the job fleet management gravitational waves hands-on training hazard communication hazard prevention Health & Safety Podcast heavy equipment safety high voltage systems HR automation HR software incident data incident reporting industrial safety injury prevention injury reporting injury response internal audits Jennifer Lastra job site hazards job site risks job site safety Jody Young KBR Safety Training Leadership leadership accountability LIGO LMS lone workers mental health at work MI Safety new workers Northern BC NRCA NSC Standard 13 occupational health occupational safety oil and gas safety onboarding safety Online safety training OSHA compliance OSHA standards overhead crane courses pain awareness physics careers pipeline safety PPE PPE enforcement pre-trip inspection pretrip inspection Professional development psychological safety risk management road safety Robin Postnikoff safety safety advice safety article safety best practices safety compliance Safety Conversations safety culture safety innovation safety insights safety inspection Safety Leaders safety leadership safety management safety management system safety myths Safety Spotlight safety systems safety technology safety theater safety tips safety training smart helmets space science supervisor training Total Recordable Injury Formula training training courses training matrix training record management transportation vehicle safety Virtual Reality VR Technology wearable technology WHMIS women in leadership work-alone training worker accountability worker protection worker safety workforce management workforce training workplace best practices workplace certification workplace hazards workplace health workplace injury prevention workplace risk management Workplace safety workplace wellness WSPS Jeff Mulligan | Safety Spotlight Podcast April 17, 2025 A powerful new episode of The Safety Spotlight podcast is in the works! Final touches are underway—stay tuned for safety… Read More Jennifer Lastra | Safety Spotlight Podcast April 17, 2025 A powerful new episode of The Safety Spotlight podcast is in the works! Final touches are underway—stay tuned for safety… Read More Johanna Pagonis | Safety Spotlight Podcast April 17, 2025 A powerful new episode of The Safety Spotlight podcast is in the works! Final touches are underway—stay tuned for safety… Read More
Safety Myths
Home Blog Safety Myths And Which Ones Need to Die! Does your workplace suffer from ‘fakelore’? By Luke Hillenbrand Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 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.” Robin Postnikoff ————————————————————————— 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.” Brett Burkard ————————————————————————— 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. Related read: Do you own a business in the insurance industry? Check out how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the insurance industry. ————————————————————————— “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.” Robin Postnikoff ————————————————————————— 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.” Kevin Swinden ————————————————————————— 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.” Lisa Rantucci ————————————————————————— 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
Would You Bet Your Paycheck on Safety?
Home Blog Would You Bet Your Paycheck on Safety? That Need to Die By Luke Hillenbrand Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Imagine this: At the end of every shift, you had to bet your entire paycheck that nobody on your crew got hurt. Would you do anything differently? Would you double-check your PPE? Would you remind a co-worker to use a harness? Would you take that extra second to secure a load or test a machine lockout? The truth is, whether you realize it or not, you are betting on safety every day. The stakes aren’t just money—they’re your health, your reputation, and your future. One bad decision, one shortcut, one ignored hazard, and you could lose everything. Safety is More Than a Rule—It’s a Wager Most people wouldn’t gamble their paycheck on pure luck. But every time someone skips a step, assumes a risk, or rushes a job, they’re rolling the dice. Sometimes they win—nothing happens. Other times? That bet costs them weeks of lost wages, medical bills, or a permanent injury. Think about it: A mechanic skips wearing gloves because “it’s just a quick fix.” That quick fix leads to stitches and time off work. A forklift operator speeds up to finish early. One wrong turn leads to a collision—and unemployment. A roofer skips fall protection “just for a second.” That second changes their life forever. Key Takeaways Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also The House Always Wins Casinos are designed so that, over time, the house always wins. Unsafe work habits work the same way. Maybe you’ve skipped safety steps before and nothing happened. Maybe you’ve seen others take risks and walk away fine. That’s like winning a few hands in a row—it feels good, but the odds will catch up eventually. Complacency is the biggest con of all. The more times a worker gets away with a risk, the more confident they become in their luck. But luck runs out. And when it does, the price is steep. Related read: Do you own a business in the insurance industry? Check out how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the insurance industry. How to Play It Safe (and Win Every Time) 1. Be Smart Act like your paycheck depends on it. Because in many ways, it does. 2. Think Long-Term A shortcut might save five minutes, but an injury could cost five months. 3. Hold Each Other Accountable Safety isn’t a solo game. Watch out for your crew. Remind them that a mistake could cost them more than just pride. 4. Stay Sharp Keep safety top of mind. Refresh your training. Don’t let routine make you careless. 5. Call Out the Risks If something feels unsafe, stop. Speak up. Fix it before it becomes an accident. Make the Right Bet If you had to bet your paycheck on safety, you’d work smarter. You’d pay attention. You’d make sure nobody around you was cutting corners. You’d take safety seriously—because you’d have too much to lose. The reality? You already do. Every shift, every task, every decision is a bet. Make sure it’s one you can afford to win. Stay sharp. Stay safe. Because in this game, there’s no cashing out. BIS Social Media Follow BIS Safety Software for industry-leading safety updates, training solutions, and more. Hover over each icon for quick access to follow, share, or explore our other channels. Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Related Articles All Posts 360 Immersive Alberta safety courses Allan James Moore awareness BambooHR integration biometric sensors BIS Podcast BIS Safety Software black holes Brave Leadership chemical chronic injuries Coming Soon community safety programs Compliance compliance courses compliance tools compliance vs protection Construction advocacy Construction education Construction industry construction safety training crane customized training daily trip inspection Danny Sellers data-driven safety digital forms Dr. Joanna Pagonis driver file management driver training early intervention EHS Einstein emergency preparedness emergency supplies employee health employee safety employee training ergonomics exoskeletons fall protection field safety field safety services fire prevention first aid kit first week on the job fleet management frontline safety gravitational waves hands-on training hazard communication hazard prevention Health & Safety Podcast heavy equipment safety high voltage systems HR automation HR software humor in safety Imposter Syndrome incident data incident reporting industrial safety injury prevention injury reporting injury response internal audits Jennifer Lastra job site hazards job site risks job site safety Jody Young KBR Safety Training Leadership leadership accountability leadership and empathy LIGO LMS lone workers mental health at work MI Safety new workers Northern BC NRCA NSC Standard 13 occupational health occupational safety oil and gas safety onboarding safety Online safety training OSHA compliance OSHA standards overhead crane courses pain awareness physics careers pipeline safety podcast PPE PPE enforcement pre-trip inspection pretrip inspection Professional development psychological safety risk management road safety Robin Postnikoff safety safety
