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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.
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#1
Work Place Safety Legend
Robert Beveridge 2 days ago
Here's a guy who has somehow never seen that timeless classic of the silver screen Woodchipper Massacre...
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#2
In About 2 Seconds He Is About To See How Fast He Can Turn Off That Chainsaw
#3
Anyone See Any Safety Issue?
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
#5
No Such Thing As ‘Health And Safety’ In Myanmar - This Dude’s Repairing An Air Conditioner On The 22nd Floor. As You Do
#6
"I've Done It A Million Times. This Is Totally Safe." - My Coworker
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
Lady Lestrange 2 days ago
What's with people not wearing a protective gear? Well, the squinting doesn't work.
#8
The Neighbor’s Movers Couldn’t Get The Dresser Down The Stairs
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 days ago
"Dave?" "Yeah?" "You below the window in position?" "Yup" "Okay.... CATCH!"
#9
Clamped Broken Railing For Bonus
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
Pink kitty 2 days ago (edited)
I've used a similar compactor before. They have chains at the back which raise the bale to make it drop on the pallet. Sometimes they fall off the hook and need to be rehooked to get the bale out. The front door needs to be locked closed and the top door needs to connect to the front door or the 'floor' inside the top that crushes the cardboard won't go down.
#11
Safety Always First
Pink kitty 2 days ago
How is this possible?? Is it tied to the wires? The guy below seems to be holding the ladder steady rather than supporting it
#12
Something Tells Me This Breaks A Few Safety Regulations
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
Too Hot For Safety
#14
Workers On A Scissor Lift Floating In A Swimming Pool
#15
Above A 4 Lane Road, Hand Grip Only, No Tether For Him Or His Tools
Scarlett O'Hara's Ghost 2 days ago
But there's a big orange cone and he's wearing a safety vest!
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
Don't Worry, Got The Safety Squints On, Boss
#17
First Day Working The Port. Safety Wants To Talk To Me, Probably To Tell Me How Good Of A Job I’m Doing
#18
Screw It - That's Close Enough
#19
Flip Flops And Leaning Over The Edge Of Roof To Get A Better Angle
#20
Safety Gloves -Check!
Norm Gilmore 2 days ago
It's not the clearest as it's only a tiny part of the screen grab but this is from my dashcam. A legitimate form of transport it seems :-) Mattress-6...fb06cb.jpg 
#21
I'm Pretty Sure This Is A Safety Violation
#22
Looks Safe
#23
What’s Wrong With This Photo?
#24
“Wear Ppe” To Me When I Was A Kid. “I Don’t Need Protection “ My Dad Now
#25
Maybe Maybe
#26
Don't Worry, It's Secured By Straps!
#27
Installing An Air-Conditioning Unit
#28
Counter-Balance Solved
R.A. Haley 2 days ago
Oh jeez. I did that once and my boss (driving) turned the wtong way, pinching my legs against a column. Not fun.
#29
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.
Bob Brooce 2 days ago
I see this all the time when people use rebar as a giant tent stake. It's perfectly good if you hit if with your shin, but I'd hate to fall on it.
#30
Osha Intensifies
#31
What Better Safety Than Being In His Arms?
#32
That's What Friends Are For!
#33
My Friend Got Sent Home From Work Today For A Safety Violation And Sent Me This Photo
#34
Thanks Guys!
#35
This Was Done At My Work Less Than 20 Mins After A "Safety Meeting" All I Can Say Is Genius!
#36
Welcome To Northern Ontario, Where Health And Safety Is Still In The 1970s. (Not My Company)
#37
This Was Hard To Watch
#38
I Have No Words
#39
My GF Said To Post Here. We Were Short And Had To Improvise
Robert Beveridge 2 days ago
Not short any more... about five feet too tall from the looks of it...
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 days ago
I think a lot of these men are in denial about the length of their ladders.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 days ago
I think a lot of these men are in denial about the length of their ladders.
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