The Hazard Nobody Mentioned 8/31/2026
Safety E-Quick Tip
OWYN Safety Management Platform
The Hazard Nobody Mentioned
Safety Is a Conversation
One of the strongest indicators of a safe workplace is the willingness to speak up when something doesn’t seem right.
Managers who listen and employees who communicate concerns create safer environments for everyone.
If you see a hazard, ask a question, or raise a concern, safety conversations prevent accidents long before they happen.
The Hazard Nobody Mentioned
Real-World Scenario
A crew begins a routine task they have performed numerous times before. Several employees notice that a guard has been removed from a piece of equipment.
One assumes it was removed temporarily and will be replaced. Another believes someone else has already reported it. A third notices the issue but doesn’t think it’s their responsibility to speak up.
Hours later, an employee is injured when they come into contact with the machine’s moving parts.
Following the incident, it becomes clear that the hazard was recognized by several people. The problem wasn’t a lack of awareness – the problem was that nobody took ownership to help ensure the hazard was eliminated.
What Went Wrong?
The hazard wasn’t hidden.
The hazard wasn’t new.
The hazard simply wasn’t discussed.
The Lesson
Many incidents occur not because hazards are impossible to identify, but because concerns are never communicated.
Every employee has valuable information. Every supervisor has an opportunity to listen.
The Switch: From Watching to Engaging
A safer workplace is created when everyone understands that identifying hazards is part of the job.
Observing a problem is important – communicating the problem is what prevents incidents.
Management QuickTip
Create an environment where employees know concerns will be taken seriously and addressed respectfully.
Employee QuickTip
You don’t need to have all the answers to raise a concern. Identifying the issue is often the first step toward solving it.
August Heat Reminder
As summer begins winding down, don’t let heat safety slip from your routine. Many heat-related illnesses occur when workers become comfortable with high temperatures and stop taking precautions.
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.
If you know of someone or a company that might benefit from receiving Safety E-QuickTips, please take a moment to share this with them so they can sign-up today.
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