Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
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.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Work Place Safety Legend
Robert Beveridge 2 weeks ago
Here's a guy who has somehow never seen that timeless classic of the silver screen Woodchipper Massacre...
RELATED:
#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
"I've Done It A Million Times. This Is Totally Safe." - My Coworker
#6
No Such Thing As ‘Health And Safety’ In Myanmar - This Dude’s Repairing An Air Conditioner On The 22nd Floor. As You Do
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 weeks 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 weeks 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 weeks 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
Something Tells Me This Breaks A Few Safety Regulations
#12
Safety Always First
Pink kitty 2 weeks 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
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
Above A 4 Lane Road, Hand Grip Only, No Tether For Him Or His Tools
Scarlett O'Hara's Ghost 2 weeks ago
But there's a big orange cone and he's wearing a safety vest!
#14
Don't Worry, Got The Safety Squints On, Boss
#15
Too Hot For Safety
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
First Day Working The Port. Safety Wants To Talk To Me, Probably To Tell Me How Good Of A Job I’m Doing
#17
Workers On A Scissor Lift Floating In A Swimming Pool
#18
Screw It - That's Close Enough
#19
Safety Gloves -Check!
Norm Gilmore 2 weeks 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 
#20
Flip Flops And Leaning Over The Edge Of Roof To Get A Better Angle
#21
Looks Safe
#22
What’s Wrong With This Photo?
#23
I'm Pretty Sure This Is A Safety Violation
#24
Maybe Maybe
#25
“Wear Ppe” To Me When I Was A Kid. “I Don’t Need Protection “ My Dad Now
#26
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 weeks 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.
#27
Installing An Air-Conditioning Unit
#28
Counter-Balance Solved
R.A. Haley 2 weeks ago
Oh jeez. I did that once and my boss (driving) turned the wtong way, pinching my legs against a column. Not fun.
#29
Don't Worry, It's Secured By Straps!
#30
What Better Safety Than Being In His Arms?
#31
Osha Intensifies
#32
Thanks Guys!
#33
That's What Friends Are For!
#34
My Friend Got Sent Home From Work Today For A Safety Violation And Sent Me This Photo
#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)
Wood Carver 1 week ago (edited)
Its a combination of issues honestly. First and foremost, but probably the most common is the lack of respiratory protection. Talcosis is not a nice way to go. Half mask with particulate cartridges would be ideal but at least a dust mask. Secondly, line of fire, those cutting blades will throw stone chips a long way, an people are standing right in front of it. If he uses it wrong it is also possible to break the blade which turns it into shrapnel. On many sites shorts are no longer allowed, but definitely during cutting applications it would be advisable to wear long pants. Finally that foundation should have a temporary fence around it (this one never seems to be followed), and that debris right next to a potential fall is usually against the rules. Many of these will be in their health and safety manual but if they are on a small development or single unit build then there is likely little to no oversite from anyone in a health and safety role beyond their supervisor who is also responsible for keeping costs as low as possible and ensuring the job is done quickly. Health and safety equipment and safe operating procedure is often seen as slowing work down and costing too much so it is the first thing to be ignored.
Load More Replies...
Upstaged75 2 weeks ago
Holmes actually. And definitely not. He does things right. :)
Load More Replies...
#37
I Have No Words
#38
This Was Hard To Watch
#39
My GF Said To Post Here. We Were Short And Had To Improvise
Robert Beveridge 2 weeks 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 weeks ago
I think a lot of these men are in denial about the length of their ladders.
Black Cat 2 weeks ago
Is it a coincidence that the dumbest people in society are doing the most dangerous jobs?
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
OSHA is a joke. They don’t get involved until someone dies or is maimed. Same with Fire department inspections. So many codes overlooked. My former boss contacted OSHA shortly before I did and was ignored. I got fired. The fire department had come in and I pointed out some violations and they hurried up and left. The owners were huge donators to the fire, police, etc… The paperwork to file was crazy. But it got fixed eventually.
Mike F 1 week ago
That's not true, they did an inspection in the plant I worked in an stayed 3 1/2 days. He wrote so many violations that it nearly bankrupted the company. TBF, he found things to write up that had been wrong since the 1930s, but hey, better late than never, right?
Load More Replies...
Robert Helton 2 weeks ago
As a Union craftsman this stuff would never be tolerated on any of our jobsites.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago
A good dose of anxiety to start the day off.
Load More Replies...
Stephanie Barr 1 week ago
Safety Stephanie (I'm a safety engineer) fainted about halfway through.
Uncle Schmickle 1 week ago
For mind blowing absence of H&S, check out videos on youtube of manufacturing in Pakistan. Especially anything involved with smelting and pouring of steel/iron. They're very talented artisans using skills which have been largely lost in Western countries, but health and safety ..... what's that ?
Jessica SpeLangm 2 weeks ago
I'm so happy my husband isn't this stupid when he works on things around the house. And he doesn't have a job where ladders and any of that kind of equipment is involved.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago
I think a lot of these men are in denial about the length of their ladders.
Black Cat 2 weeks ago
Is it a coincidence that the dumbest people in society are doing the most dangerous jobs?
Mason Kronol 2 weeks ago
OSHA is a joke. They don’t get involved until someone dies or is maimed. Same with Fire department inspections. So many codes overlooked. My former boss contacted OSHA shortly before I did and was ignored. I got fired. The fire department had come in and I pointed out some violations and they hurried up and left. The owners were huge donators to the fire, police, etc… The paperwork to file was crazy. But it got fixed eventually.
Mike F 1 week ago
That's not true, they did an inspection in the plant I worked in an stayed 3 1/2 days. He wrote so many violations that it nearly bankrupted the company. TBF, he found things to write up that had been wrong since the 1930s, but hey, better late than never, right?
Load More Replies... Robert Helton 2 weeks ago
As a Union craftsman this stuff would never be tolerated on any of our jobsites.
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 2 weeks ago
A good dose of anxiety to start the day off.
Load More Replies... Stephanie Barr 1 week ago
Safety Stephanie (I'm a safety engineer) fainted about halfway through.
Uncle Schmickle 1 week ago
For mind blowing absence of H&S, check out videos on youtube of manufacturing in Pakistan. Especially anything involved with smelting and pouring of steel/iron. They're very talented artisans using skills which have been largely lost in Western countries, but health and safety ..... what's that ?
Jessica SpeLangm 2 weeks ago
I'm so happy my husband isn't this stupid when he works on things around the house. And he doesn't have a job where ladders and any of that kind of equipment is involved.
You May Like 50 Times Women Were So Funny On Twitter Recently, They Took Over The Internet 50 Of The Best Texts People Received Or Sent In 2024 “Deserve To Be Flung Into The Sun”: 50 Dumb Drivers That Are A Danger To Themselves And Society (New Pics)
Simona Kinderytė
Donata Ruzgaitė
Aurelija Rakauskaitė
Related on Bored Panda
![“AITA For Losing [It] And Screaming At GF To Get Out Of My House After What Her Stepbrother Did?”](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/man-screams-gf-over-creepy-stepbrother-fb18-png__700.jpg)
