Humans are naturally driven to avoid pain and danger, yet we don’t always act in ways that protect our safety. Often, this happens for two key reasons. First, a lack of knowledge — without proper training or awareness, we may not recognize hazards around us, and what we don’t know can indeed hurt us. Second, and just as important, is attitude. The way we think about safety strongly influences the choices we make each day. Before moving forward, take a moment for a quick self-check: what is your attitude toward safety?

SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU

Some people fully support a safe workplace, while others may view safety measures as inconvenient or time-consuming. This difference comes down to attitude, and attitude influences nearly everything — how we work, how we respond to rules and how we interact with others.

Safety rules and procedures aren’t designed to make your job harder; they’re there to protect you. Yes, safety equipment and training require time and resources, but they’re investments in your well-being.

When you cooperate with safety efforts, you reduce your risk of injury and avoid unnecessary conflict with supervisors who are simply doing their job. You’ll also feel more confident knowing you’re working in a safer environment. Less fear of injury and fewer confrontations can make your day go a lot smoother.

Of course, no one is perfect. Even the most experienced workers can forget or make mistakes. That’s why it’s important to look out for one another. If someone points out unsafe behavior, don’t take it personally — they’re trying to help. Whether it’s something you didn’t know or just a moment of carelessness, be grateful someone noticed before it led to harm. If you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up, but do so respectfully. 

Remember, attitude affects behavior. A positive attitude toward safety leads to safer actions, better teamwork and fewer accidents. A negative attitude, on the other hand, creates stress, conflict and increases the risk of injury. Let’s choose to be proactive, informed and supportive — because safety is everyone’s responsibility.