Workplace safety protocols exist for a reason. Yet, despite the potentially catastrophic outcomes of failing to comply, many employees still show complete disregard for these regulations.
The photos you’ll see are just some examples of such disappointing behavior. We’ve collected photos from all over the internet showing workers throwing caution to the wind in the worst ways possible. Some deemed it unnecessary to wear safety glasses, while others seemed to dismiss the existence of gravity.
Many of these images could make you shake your head in disappointment, but they can also remind you what not to emulate.
#1 Work Place Safety Legend
Image credits: reddit.com
#2 In About 2 Seconds He Is About To See How Fast He Can Turn Off That Chainsaw
Image credits: imgur.com
#3 Anyone See Any Safety Issue?
Image credits: itsjustchad
Disregarding safety protocols is likely why workplace injuries are commonplace in the United States. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 2.6 million nonfatal work-related injuries in 2023.
While it showed an 8.4 percent decrease from 2022, these are still significant numbers that could be avoided.
#4 Sometimes When It Looks Stupid But Works, Its Still Stupid
Image credits: cornerzcan
#5 No Such Thing As ‘Health And Safety’ In Myanmar - This Dude’s Repairing An Air Conditioner On The 22nd Floor. As You Do
Image credits: wontfindloveinahole
#6 The Neighbor’s Movers Couldn’t Get The Dresser Down The Stairs
Image credits: HonestlyCrum
Based on these images, such irresponsible actions appear to happen often in workplaces that involve operating heavy machinery. According to further statistics from the US Department of Labor, more than 300,000 workplace injuries in 2023 occurred in the manufacturing sector, which is second to the healthcare industry.
The transportation and warehousing industry has the fourth highest cases, with over 200,000, while the construction sector has slightly over 150,000.
#7 Nah, Safety Glasses Are Not Necessary
Image credits: KotAufmBrot
#8 Clamped Broken Railing For Bonus
Image credits: A_Bridgeburner
#9 "I've Done It A Million Times. This Is Totally Safe." - My Coworker
Image credits: robabl
According to Occupational Health & Safety Magazine, employees ignore safety protocols for several reasons, including time constraints caused by tight deadlines. Workers often focus too much on completing tasks and fail to comply with basic safety measures.
Another common reason is overconfidence. Some employees become highly comfortable with their roles, undermining safety regulations or overinflating their skill levels. This leads to taking shortcuts, which puts employees at risk of injury and compromises the output.
#10 Osha Intensifies
Image credits: Omnijones777
#11 Above A 4 Lane Road, Hand Grip Only, No Tether For Him Or His Tools
Image credits: beautify
#12 Something Tells Me This Breaks A Few Safety Regulations
Image credits: zoalcoalt
The US Department of Labor has recommended ensuring workplace safety and preventing injury incidents. In its published hazard prevention and control guidelines, the agency urges employers to develop a control plan and mandate and impose protocols.
At the same time, employers are encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness of existing regulations regularly to determine whether they are still effective.
#13 Workers On A Scissor Lift Floating In A Swimming Pool
Image credits: captain96
#14 Safety Always First
Image credits: touchfeel
#15 Don't Worry, Got The Safety Squints On, Boss
Image credits: cacaogirl
We’d also like to hear from you, our readers. If you work in any of these industries, which safety regulations are often violated? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
#16 Too Hot For Safety
Image credits: bp1108
#17 Safety Gloves -Check!
Image credits: reddit.com
#18 Looks Safe
Image credits: Munoz555
#19 First Day Working The Port. Safety Wants To Talk To Me, Probably To Tell Me How Good Of A Job I’m Doing
Image credits: Mickey10199
#20 Flip Flops And Leaning Over The Edge Of Roof To Get A Better Angle
Image credits: CrispyKollosus
#21 I'm Pretty Sure This Is A Safety Violation
Image credits: AmmianusMarcellinus
#22 Screw It - That's Close Enough
Image credits: jaykirsch
#23 “Wear Ppe” To Me When I Was A Kid. “I Don’t Need Protection “ My Dad Now
Image credits: silver_dollarz
#24 Ever Seen Water Bottles Used As Rebar Safety Caps? Taken At A Walmart In Miami, Fl
Make no mistake, they even spray painted them orange for extra visibility.
Image credits: Sixty4Fairlane
#25 Maybe Maybe
Image credits: Consistent-Kitchen
#26 What’s Wrong With This Photo?
Image credits: jcholder
#27 Counter-Balance Solved
Image credits: therazorstepping
#28 Welcome To Northern Ontario, Where Health And Safety Is Still In The 1970s. (Not My Company)
Image credits: ExtremePackage
#29 What Better Safety Than Being In His Arms?
Image credits: hadapurpura
#30 Installing An Air-Conditioning Unit
Image credits: 9999monkeys
#31 This Was Hard To Watch
Image credits: DylanFTW_
#32 My Friend Got Sent Home From Work Today For A Safety Violation And Sent Me This Photo
Image credits: _boomknife_
#33 Osha Intensifies
Image credits: Omnijones777
#34 Thanks Guys!
Image credits: tbonetaylor
#35 Don't Worry, It's Secured By Straps!
Image credits: dwaaam
#36 That's What Friends Are For!
Image credits: Im_probably_at_work
#37 I Have No Words
Image credits: shittyrivets
#38 This Was Done At My Work Less Than 20 Mins After A "Safety Meeting" All I Can Say Is Genius!
Image credits: reddit.com
#39 My GF Said To Post Here. We Were Short And Had To Improvise
Image credits: liamsnorthstar
#40 Wearing Safety Harness, But Not Tied To Anything (Mexico)
Image credits: Epistatious
