A Child’s Heartbreak: The Cost of Ignored Safety – 8/4/25

Safety E-Quick Tip

OWYN Safety Mangement Platform

A Child’s Heartbreak: The Cost of Ignored Safety

Imagine a child sitting by the window, eyes wide with hope, waiting for a parent who will never return from work today. That child is left behind due to a poor safety choice made by their parent or someone else at work. This is a tragedy that could have been avoided.

Many of us—managers and employees alike—think we can get away with ignoring safety on the job. But in doing so, we are putting our families at risk.

Safety rules are there for a reason. They are there to protect people and keep children from being left behind.

Why is that? Because of:

• Peer Influence: When workers see their peers ignoring safety rules, they may feel pressured to do the same. This creates a culture where safety is not prioritized.
• Management Pressure: Workers may feel pressure from management to prioritize productivity over safety. This can lead to poor safety choices.
• Lack of Training: Many workers are not properly trained in safety procedures, leading to poor choices.
• Complacency: Workers may become complacent after working safely for a long time, leading to poor choices.
• Inadequate Resources and Equipment: Workers may not have access to the resources and equipment they need to prioritize safety.

Each reason contributes to that child waiting by the window, wondering, “When will they be back?”

Safety is not about pointing fingers, being The Man, or laughing at how unsafe someone else is working. It’s about a culture of collaboration and support. One where we:

• Speak Up: If you see something unsafe, speak up.
• Engage: If you hear someone say something unsafe, speak up.
• Act: If you see someone doing something unsafe, speak up.
• Help Fix It: When possible, help fix the issue or support your coworkers in doing it the right way.
• Support Correct Practices: Encourage others to follow safety protocols and best practices.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s ensure that no child is left waiting by the window for a parent who will never return.

Employee QuickTip

Always prioritize safety at work, as every unsafe choice can have devastating consequences for your loved ones, including children waiting for you to come home.

Employer/Management QuickTip

As a manager or owner, fostering a culture of safety is essential; every decision you make impacts not only productivity but also the well-being of your employees and their families.

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Stay Safe – You’ve Got This!

Your OWYN Safety Solution Team

Keith Dague, President