What’s the Risk of “I’ve Done It This Way for Years”? 8/10/2026
Safety E-Quick Tip
OWYN Safety Management Platform
What’s the Risk of “I’ve Done It This Way for Years”?
Just a Quick Note
Our Safety E QuickTips are sent early each Monday morning because we believe the best time to improve workplace safety is before the workweek gains momentum.
We always welcome your feedback. If there is something you find useful, something that could be improved, or a safety challenge you’d like us to address, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s the Risk of “I’ve Done It This Way for Years”?
The Question
If a task has been performed the same way for years without an incident, does that mean it’s safe?
The Answer
Not necessarily.
Success without an incident can sometimes create a false sense of security. Familiarity often causes people to overlook risks that would be obvious to someone seeing the task for the first time.
Many incidents happen during routine activities because workers become comfortable and stop actively evaluating potential hazards.
Three Actions You Can Take Today
- Take a fresh look at routine tasks.
- Question practices that have simply become habits.
- Ask others for their perspective on potential risks.
The Switch: From Assumption to Evaluation
Safe work requires continuous awareness. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it cannot be improved.
Management QuickTip
Review long-standing procedures periodically and ask employees where risks may still exist.
Employee QuickTip
Don’t allow routine work to become automatic. Stay alert and continue evaluating hazards throughout the task.
August Heat Reminder
Heat-related illnesses often develop gradually. Pay attention to signs such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating, or unusual behavior. Early recognition can prevent serious medical emergencies.
Have you received your first Safety E-QuickTip and would like to check out some QuickTips from the past? Check out our Safety E-QuickTips Archive Page on our website.
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Remember, safety should never cost employees or your company an arm and a leg.
Until next time, Stay Safe!
Your OWYN Safety Solution Team
Keith B. Dague, President