The Tiny Safety Violations That Cause Big Accidents
Most workplace accidents don’t happen because of massive, obvious mistakes. They happen because of tiny safety violations—things so minor they don’t seem like a big deal.
Linda Miller: Ergonomics and Effective Workplace Design
Ergonomics expert Linda Miller shares how smart workplace design reduces injuries, boosts productivity, and creates healthier, more efficient work environments.
Transportation Safety Week Offers
Transportation Safety Week is the perfect time to boost driver safety. Get 3 months free access to top training courses and tools from BIS Safety Software to support your team.
The LMS Buyer’s Guide:
Choosing the right LMS can transform your training, compliance, and employee development. This guide highlights key factors to help you make a confident, informed decision.
Comprehensive Guide to EHS Risk Management Software
This guide helps you choose the best EHS risk management software by covering features, vendor selection, implementation strategy, and long-term success tips.
Enhancing Lone Worker Safety
Lone workers face serious safety risks. This guide explores key features of lone worker apps, implementation strategies, and real-world success stories for safety teams.
Would You Pass a Surprise Safety Inspection?
Home Blog Would You Pass a Surprise Safety Inspection? Here’s What Inspectors Look For By Shilpa Sharma Facebook Twitter LinkedIn A safety inspection can happen anytime. No warnings, no time to prepare—just an inspector walking in, clipboard in hand. The good news? A workplace that stays ready doesn’t have to worry. When safety is a daily habit, inspections become an opportunity to show what you’re doing right—not a scramble to fix what’s wrong. The best workplaces don’t just pass inspections—they set the standard for others to follow. A strong safety culture isn’t about passing tests. It’s about keeping workers safe, every shift, every day. What Do Inspectors Check First? Housekeeping – A clean, organized workspace shows a commitment to safety. Inspectors check for clear walkways, properly stored materials, and unobstructed exits. Clutter signals carelessness. A well-kept site reduces accidents and keeps workers focused. PPE Compliance – Workers should be using the right gear for the job. Hard hats, gloves, eye protection—whatever’s required. Proper PPE use signals a culture that values protection, not just policy. Machine Guards and Lockout/Tagout – Equipment must be well-maintained. No missing guards. No bypassed safety switches. Inspectors look for proper lockout/tagout procedures to ensure workers aren’t exposed to deadly risks. Emergency Exits and Equipment – Fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, exit signs—all must be accessible and in working order. In an emergency, workers shouldn’t waste time searching for life-saving tools. Training Records – A well-trained team is a safe team. Inspectors look for up-to date documentation proving workers know safety protocols. If your crew can’t answer basic safety questions, you have a problem. Hazard Communication – Chemicals must be labeled and stored correctly. SDS sheets should be easy to find. A missing label or improper storage isn’t just a violation—it’s a potential disaster. How to Stay Inspection-Ready Treat Every Day Like Inspection Day- Good safety habits should be second nature. If you wouldn’t want an inspector to see it, it shouldn’t happen in the first place. Fix Small Issues Before They Become Big Ones- A quick cleanup or repair today prevents larger problems tomorrow. A loose wire, a missing guard, a blocked exit—minor now, major later. Keep Training Up to Date – A knowledgeable team makes a safer workplace. Safety refreshers shouldn’t be a once-a-year event. Train often. Reinforce daily. Make PPE a Standard, Not a Suggestion- Workers should have what they need to stay protected. No gear, no work. Simple as that. Conduct Internal Audits- Regular self-checks reinforce a strong safety culture. Walk the site. Spot hazards. Fix them before an inspector has to point them out. Encourage Worker Feedback – The people on the floor know where the real risks are. If workers see a problem, they should feel safe speaking up without fear of backlash. Lead by Example – If supervisors cut corners, workers will too. Safety starts at the top. Set the standard. Final Thought: Stay Ready, Stay Safe A workplace that prioritizes safety every day never has to “get ready” for an inspection. It’s already there. Safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels protected, prepared, and proud of the job they do. When safety is built into the routine, inspections become a chance to showcase success, not scramble to fix mistakes. Strong safety programs get recognized, and workplaces that take safety seriously earn trust from workers, clients, and inspectors alike. The goal isn’t just to pass an inspection—it’s to make sure every worker goes home safe. Every day. 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 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. Get 3 months free access to top training courses… Read More The LMS Buyer’s Guide: April 11, 2025 Choosing the right LMS can transform your training, compliance, and employee development. This guide highlights key factors to help you… Read More Comprehensive Guide to EHS Risk Management Software April 10, 2025 This guide helps you choose the best EHS risk management software by covering features, vendor selection,
Pain Is a Warning
Home Blog Pain Is a Warning Why Ignoring Injuries Leads to Bigger Problems Silence isn’t golden! By Jennah Mitchell Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Don’t tough it out! Too many workers push through pain instead of speaking up. They strain sore muscles, ignore small cuts, and brush off dizziness. They don’t want to look weak, slow down the team, or risk their job. But ignoring pain doesn’t make it go away—it makes it worse. Minor injuries turn into major ones. Small strains lead to lifelong damage. When workplaces push workers to ignore pain, small injuries turn into chronic ones. Burnout rises. Safety slips behind speed and output. Why Workers Stay Silent ▸ Fear of Judgment No one wants to be seen as weak or unable to handle the job. Many workers believe speaking up will make them a target for ridicule or resentment. ▸ Job Security Some workers worry that reporting an injury could cost them hours or their position. If a workplace treats injuries as a sign of unreliability, workers will hide them. ▸ Team Pressure If everyone else is pushing through, it’s hard to be the one who speaks up. Workers don’t want to feel like they’re letting the crew down. ▸ Lack of Awareness Many don’t realize how serious an injury can become if left untreated. What feels like a small strain today could lead to permanent damage months or years later. ▸ Workplace Culture When toughness matters more than safety, workers see reporting pain as weakness, not a smart choice. The Real Cost of Pushing Through Pain A sore wrist today can turn into chronic tendonitis. A minor back strain can lead to a herniated disc. Untreated dizziness can cause a fall, leading to fractures or worse. Repetitive motion injuries, if ignored, can force workers out of their jobs entirely. When workers ignore pain, they risk more than discomfort. They risk long-term disability, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. Pain slows reactions, causes mistakes, and raises the risk of serious accidents. More injuries mean lost time, higher costs, and lower productivity for employers. When injuries pile up, morale drops, and turnover increases. Ignoring pain doesn’t just harm workers—it weakens the whole team. How to Change the Culture 1. Encourage Reporting Make it clear that speaking up about pain isn’t weakness— it’s smart. The sooner an issue is addressed, the less damage it does. Employers should make reporting concerns easy and judgment-free. Workers need to know they can speak up without fear. 2. Train Supervisors to Listen If workers report pain and get brushed off, they won’t speak up next time. Leaders should take concerns seriously and act fast. A supervisor’s attitude toward safety sets the tone for the entire team. 3. Provide Proper Equipment The right tools, supportive footwear, and ergonomic solutions prevent unnecessary strain. Investing in high-quality safety gear reduces long-term injury risks. 4. Promote Early Intervention Stretching, rest breaks, and quick treatment stop small aches from turning into serious injuries. Encouraging movement and proper lifting techniques can prevent chronic conditions before they start. 5. Educate Workers on Injury Progression Many workers don’t report pain because they don’t realize how quickly a small injury can escalate. Training should include real-world examples of ignored injuries turning into serious conditions. 6. Lead By Example If supervisors push through pain, workers will too. A strong safety culture starts at the top. Leadership should demonstrate safe habits and encourage self-care without stigma. 7. Create a Supportive Environment Recognize and reward workers who take the right steps when dealing with injuries. Reinforce that prioritizing health is the responsible thing to do. Final Thought: Strength Is Speaking Up Real toughness isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about knowing when to stop, recover, and protect your future. A smart worker doesn’t push through injury. They recognize risk, report issues, and take action before it’s too late. When workplaces support early intervention, workers stay stronger, safer, and more productive in the long run. Work smart. Stay strong. Speak up. 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
The Problem with Safety? We Made it Boring.
Home Blog The Problem with Safety? We Made it Boring. We Made It Boring By Luke Hillenbrand Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Lessons from the Trenches Nobody gets into safety because they want to fill out paperwork. They do it because they’ve seen the alternative. The fall that didn’t need to happen. The drum of chemicals that nearly took out half a city block. The team member who never made it home. But somewhere along the line, we buried that urgency in binders. We took a discipline built on adrenaline, risk, and responsibility — and we turned it into a desk job. We reduced it. To clipboards, to compliance checklists. To one-hour training videos that people forget before lunch. We made safety boring. Worse than that — we made it easy to ignore. And if we don’t fix that, people are going to keep getting hurt. Safety Isn’t a Department. It’s a Culture. Walk onto most job sites, and you’ll hear the same thing: “Safety is everyone’s responsibility.” Sounds great. Except that in a lot of companies, safety still lives in its own little silo. The safety person walks the floor, gives a thumbs-up, maybe rattles off a checklist. They go back to their office to update the system. Meanwhile, the crew is out there making real decisions. In real time. With real consequences. They’re the ones balancing a ladder on uneven ground. They’re the ones guessing whether the insulation is live. They’re the ones dealing with surprise weather, faulty equipment, and the very real pressure to get things done fast. Wes Rundle has had to make some of these decisions himself, and knows how important it is to keep safety simple. He’s helped overhaul safety systems across many companies. From emergency planning in chemical plants to concrete coring crews mid-pandemic, he’s seen it all. And the lesson’s always the same: if your system adds friction, people will work around it. You can’t layer complexity onto complexity and expect it to stick. You have to meet people where they are. Make it seamless. Make it make sense. The more forms you pile on, the less likely someone is to stop and think. The goal is not more paperwork. The goal is fewer injuries. Fewer close calls. And more people going home safe. “Safety needs to be simple. Because the work is already complex.” Wes Rundle The Myth of the Competent Worker Here’s a common scenario: a worker finishes their online course, gets the certificate, and their manager checks the box. They’re “trained.” Right? Robin Postnikoff doesn’t buy it. He’s the founder of MI Safety, and he’s watched the industry pretend that theory equals ability. It doesn’t. “We’ve had this idea that a worker can take a generic course and walk out competent,” he says. “But you can’t learn to drive by reading about it. You’ve got to be behind the wheel.” That’s why his company builds practical evaluations right into the system. Learn the theory online. Prove it in person. Simple. Because you’re not training someone for a pop quiz. You’re training them for the moment things go sideways. The equipment jams. The scaffold gives. The procedure fails. That’s when training matters. And it’s not just about liability. It’s about dignity. If you put someone on a job they’re not prepared for, that’s not just a risk. That’s a betrayal. So Where Do We Go From Here? We’ve built systems that look good on paper—but paper doesn’t save lives. The truth is, most safety programs aren’t broken. They’re just built on the wrong foundation. Theory without practice. Compliance without clarity. Rules without ownership. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. Because when safety is done right, it’s not boring. It’s built into every decision, every habit, every conversation that happens before something goes wrong. In Part 2, we’ll dive into what that really looks like—on the ground, in the moment. From psychological safety to VR training to culture that actually sticks. The future of safety isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust, mindset, and showing up for each other—every single day. 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 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 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 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 advice safety article safety best practices safety communication safety compliance Safety Conversations safety culture safety innovation safety insights safety inspection Safety Leaders safety leadership safety management safety management system safety metrics safety myths safety podcast 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
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
