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Safety in the workplace should be a no-brainer. You’re there to earn a paycheck, not to have fun, so it’s important to follow all the rules. After all, you’re only endangering yourself by cutting corners!
But for some reason, there are plenty of employees out there who seem dedicated to living life on the edge (sometimes literally). We took a trip to the OSHA subreddit and gathered some of their most egregious photos below. From balancing on multiple ladders at once to using power tools without any protection, the workers featured here seem to think that they have nine lives. Good luck getting through this list without having a heart attack, pandas, and be sure to upvote the photos that give you a greater appreciation for your desk job.
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#1
Dangerously Confusing Perspective
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
OH. They're standing on the scoopy-thing-part of a raised bulldozer-thingy.
nicholas nolan 1 month ago
Woah, woah, woah, enough of your technical jargon. Plain English, please.
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Glen Ellyn 1 month ago
Uh, NOPE. One slip and you're mashed potatoes on the pavement. They're also trusting that the person operating the machine knows what they're doing. Hit the wrong lever and you're also mashed potatoes on the pavement.
RELATED:
#2
That's One Way To Do It
Nils Skirnir 1 month ago
If you’re on the verge of starvation and in a place with unenforced standards, it’s a chance folks take all the time
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Amused panda 1 month ago
Something tells me stepping down safely would be a tad more difficult than the climb up.
#3
Light Display At Costco
QueenKittyCat 1 month ago
What is the reason behind this? What are those 2 wires connected to? I have more questions than I should.
If you sit at a desk all day typing away and sending emails, you might not feel the need for any OSHA training in your workplace. After all, you don’t really run the risk of burning the place down or losing a limb after clocking in. But there are many industries where health and safety regulations are absolutely vital to ensure that employees and companies don’t have to worry.
According to OSHA’s website, their rules and regulations not only increase safety, but also improve employee productivity, reduce absenteeism, increase a company’s profitability and decrease legal risks for everyone. But to ensure that everyone actually benefits from their rules, it’s important for employees to receive proper OSHA education and training when starting a new job. And if they notice any potential dangers in the workplace, they should not hesitate to report them.
#4
Gateway Arch Cleaning
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
This is real, but from 1965. Fall protection wasn't much of thing back then, and safety harnesses weren't used during construction, but nobody died. The insurance company predicted 13 deaths.
Kira Okah 1 month ago
A safety net was used though, there are photographs showing a safety net during construction.
Load More Replies... Lotekguy 1 month ago
The claustrophobic elevator car ride up to the top leads you to observation windows with views that aren't worth the trip. But it looks pretty from the outside.
Ghostchaplain16 1 month ago
I did my seminary training in St. Louis, and took that ride: Lotekguy isn't exaggerating when he says "claustrophobic." You could offer me all of Mark Zuckerberg's money and I still wouldn't do what these guys are dong--safety equipment or not. AARGH!S
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Bruce D T 1 month ago
How was this photo taken? THAT seems more dangerous to me than this cleaning going on.
Kira Okah 1 month ago
Probably from one of the cranes, this was taken around the end of construction.
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Daniel Atkins 1 month ago
It narrows as it goes up. The is an observation room inside at the top. The elevators are pretty small so not for the claustrophobic.
Load More Replies... #5
A Lot Going On Here
Spidercat 1 month ago
If he gets to the roof and manages to avoid a few more barrels he can rescue the princess from Donkey Kong...
Bill Swallow 1 month ago
I think I've seen this picture somewhere else with the caption "Already got '9-1-' punched into the phone".
Arthur Waite 1 month ago
Seen this picture here several times before. Next time, give us the name of the Funeral Home.
sbj 1 month ago
If the set up wasn't bad enough he's also not wearing/using any safety equipment harness/vest/helmet etc so when he does fall he's a goner
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
Yep. My dad fell from a far lower height than this and sustained catastrophic brain damage and was bedridden/disabled for the rest of his life. This guy's saving grace MIGHT be if he lands on the grass and not the concrete... maybe :( I always get the heebie-jeebies looking at pics like this because of my dad's accident (though he wasn't up a horrible ladder-monstrosity like this, just a normal extension ladder that slipped off the garage.)
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Smeghead Tribble Down Under 1 month ago
I hope whoever took the photo is ready to ring for an ambulance >.<
#6
It's Fine Until It's Not
Floeckchen 1 month ago
right tools wrong handling. They should have at least anchored the platform somewhere
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
What if they need it to move? I've seen this one a few times, and while it looks dangerous I'm willing to believe that the buoyancy of the containers might be enough that it would be difficult to create enough leverage to tip it over. Given the width of the wheels and the platform being just as wide I suspect that it could take more leverage to sink the edge of the platform than to simply tip the lift over.
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Börje Strömming 1 month ago
Probably the ones pushing for it to save money on it
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OSHA reports that one in ten employees admits that they feel unsafe in their workplace, and less than a quarter feel “very safe.” Part of the reason for this may be because 18% of workers have never even had a safety drill, and only 60% feel like they’re actually prepared for an emergency situation.
Unfortunately, three quarters of employees say that their concerns are not always heard by their supervisors, and 9% complain that they’re completely ignored. When it comes to the OSHA standards that are most frequently violated, Fall Protection: General Requirements wins by a landslide. But rules about Hazard Communication, Control of Hazardous Energy, Ladders and Respiratory Protection are also commonly ignored.
#7
A Quick Shower Before Going Home From Work
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
Another code violation in most places, but if it's a sub-panel protected by a GFI it probably won't bite you even if you are dumb enough to touch it while showering. That said, he humidity won't be good for its longevity.
BrownEyedGrrl 1 month ago
When I was looking for a house to buy, one of them had a breaker panel on the wall right behind the kitchen faucet. No thank you.
highwaycrossingfrog 1 month ago (edited)
I think it's quite dangerous to go around labelling things AI w***y nilly with no evidence, so I ran the image through several online AI detectors. Verdict: definitely not AI. You, my friend, are fake news.
Load More Replies... #8
Pulled Over As Soon As The Left The Lot
Giles McArdell 1 month ago
"But officer, I remembered to slap it and say 'that's not going anywhere'"
joann fielding 1 month ago
It's ok, they're wearing safety vests! Lol But why one guy is barefoot baffles me.
Daniel Atkins 1 month ago
The morbidly curious part of me wants to know haw far they would fly if a wind gust caught the mattress.
UnclePanda 1 month ago
Six guys holding an upright piano in the back of a pickup truck, three on each side. We had to coordinate leg presses and squats when cornering.
Tropical Tarot 1 month ago
My wife did this with our 75 inch tv. She picked it from Wally world and drove it home with one hand holding it on the roof. I don't know if she used the straps or not. And it was only 2 blocks.
#9
Fire Exit: Only Available Weekdays, 9 To 5. Plan Your Emergencies Accordingly
Hippopotamuses 1 month ago (edited)
I worked in a department store which had this (same sized door too). The roller door had to be up when the building was occupied. If it was down for more than ten minutes or was put down after the burglar alarm had been disarmed, the alarm would be automatically rearmed. We forgot this at our peril!
Breaking OSHA rules not only puts employees in danger, it can also be extremely costly for companies. Apparently, general violations can result in fines of $7,000. Meanwhile, serious violations might mean that a company gets hit with a $25,000 fine. And willful or repeat violations can cost businesses a whopping $70,000. Even if a company doesn’t care about their employees’ wellbeing (for some unknown reason), those fines should motivate them to make sure all rules are being followed to a T.
#10
The Average Fleet Vehicle
Hippopotamuses 1 month ago
Presumably the police have been informed, and are going to slap a very expensive sticker on the windscreen.
#11
Always Use A Ladder When Working At Height
IORN 1 month ago
The only problem would be if the balustrade glass breaks. Otherwise the stair can't go anywhere.
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Henrik Knudsen 1 month ago
It doesn't look safe, but it is wedged pretty well. Only concern is, wedged against glass and no safety line.
#12
What's Your Favorite Sign To Ignore?
Giles McArdell 1 month ago
It means the pallets, so it's exactly double stacked. Please excuse my pedantry.
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Nihil Supernum 1 month ago
This happens a lot with deliveries to my workplace. Heavy products on soft boxes, too high stacks, etc. Victim of corporate expectation of getting more and more work done in the same amount of time. Speed gets prioritized over sensible stacking.
According to Waldrons Solicitors, the most common workplace accidents to occur in the UK are slips, trips and falls. After that, falling objects and injuries associated with handling, lifting, or carrying objects come next. You might be surprised to hear that acts of violence even cause a significant amount of on-the-job injuries. Meanwhile, workers should be careful to also avoid repetitive strain injuries, exposure to loud noises, burns, exposure to hazardous substances, vehicle collisions, and cuts and lacerations.
#13
Show Me The Confined Space Entry Permit
New hire got stuck trying to clean the proofer
#14
Raising A 12 Foot 900lb Steel Beam 9 Feet High With Two Drywall Jacks Rated For 150lb
The jacks started folding in on themselves midway through but that didn’t stop our fearless leader from continuing on. Boss man returned both jacks after this saying they came damaged out of the box.
Max Robitzsch 1 month ago
So basically, he's careless with people's lives, and he's a fraud. Great boss. One to trust.
Lotekguy 1 month ago
A sad thing is how many there are who are just like him.
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#15
[uk] No Spotter, Outside School At Home Time
Glix Drap 1 month ago
Since it's on the road it is probably illegal as well as it should be displaying a number plate. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
martin734 1 month ago
Agricultural and plant vehicles that are not compliant with construction and use regulations may drive on the road for no more than 1.5 kilometres in a single journey and no more than 9.5 kilometres in any 7 day period. That telehandler though is clearly transporting an insecure load and the driver should be prosecuted.
Load More Replies...Now, you might be looking at the photos on this list and wondering why in the world anyone would take risks like these while working. But the explanation might be as simple as the same reason why any of us take risks in our daily lives. I know that I should chop, peel and grate vegetables slowly to avoid cutting myself. But at least twice a year, without fail, I’ll find myself rushing and slicing off a piece of my finger or nail. It can be difficult to resist the urge to be in a hurry.
#16
Cousin Wants Help Pulling His Transmission…
Siege Rook 1 month ago
Not on your life. Not even with four jack stands of the proper height. That's some Final Destination $#!+ waiting to happen right there. I don't even like working under 2-post lifts... jack stands should never be used for serious work involving large, heavy or unwieldy components while someone is under the vehicle. Sure, plenty of people do it all the time, but the casualty or serious-injury rate is just too high. Find a shop that'll let you rent a bay for a day or something, F F S.
UnclePanda 1 month ago
That's standard cribbing and may be ok. A side impact might knock them off the blocks, but for dropping a transmission, all up and down motions, they're not that different from the ramps you drive up on.
Papa 1 month ago
I don't disagree, except for one thing. The concrete blocks should be turned so that the hole is vertical, not horizontal. They are much weaker the way they're used in this photo.
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Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero" 1 month ago
Well... that is one way to use box cribbing. Although we usually used for extrication stabilization.
#17
The Best Ladder Extenders
Bill Swallow 1 month ago
Getting definite 'Del Boy, Rodney, Granddad, and the Chandelier' vibes from this.
Mofeta Doug 1 month ago
I'd be more worried about standing on the TOP of the ladder than the buckets under the ladder!
Tucker Cahooter 1 month ago
I blame the manufacturer of the tubs. If you write "Let's Do This" on them you are just asking for trouble
Anne Roberts 1 month ago
It could be a smoke alarm. Either way the placement is terrible
Load More Replies... #18
Operator Confident In His Skills
Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero" 1 month ago (edited)
"And this ladies and gentlemen, is why Trench Rescue Technician, is a Fire Rescue certification."
Max Robitzsch 1 month ago
At uni (civil engineering) they taught us to never get into a trench / hole deeper than the middle of your chest.
Load More Replies...We also tend to forget how important safety is when we’ve done something a thousand times. It’s easy to become overconfident and assume that you know better than the rules. You might find yourself thinking, “I’ve been doing this for years; I could do it in my sleep!” But that’s when the universe humbles you, and accidents happen. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
#19
Shop Won't Buy Extension Cords, So I Sent Them This
#20
I Was So Baffled I Had To Get A Pic
Even the guy in front with the blower knows they’re wrong.
The worst part about it.. the white hat had a “safety first” sticky on his hat. I’ve done lots of utility safety training over my years and I can safely say that’s been on slides I’ve usually cringed at the end of.
I’d say this crew deserves dummies of the day.
Vivian McBride 1 month ago
The lower wires are phone, cable, internet, so low voltage. However, the guy standing in the bucket may only be planning which branches to cut next.
#21
My Dad Sent Me This
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
Major OSHA violation in the US, but the rocks make me think that's a sturdy matrix that's unlikely to collapse.
Another issue that can lead to dangerous decisions in the workplace is when employees feel disengaged. If they don’t care about their work and are simply just trying to get through the day, they might not be present or aware of the risks involved in their work. It’s crucial for employers to make sure all of their workers have proper, thorough training. And if they notice that anyone’s starting to become complacent, they should address that issue before it’s too late.
#22
Is This Ok?
Börje Strömming 1 month ago
Amazing that they even got it to function. Here carlifts/skylifts are notoriously sensitive, if it doesn’t like the angle the slightest it won’t work. Which is a good thing
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Rosecrucian Roeth 1 month ago
No problemmo...............let the insurance guys handle the outcome.....................
Glen Ellyn 1 month ago
It's fine if you just want to shove the truck down the hill. A little nudge should do it.
#23
Good Place For A Nap
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
I've seen (horrific) videos of what happens when people fall into woodchippers and similar machinery. Like... bruh. Even if the machinery is currently turned off, DON'T trust that it'll STAY off/don't trust your co-workers to notice you're laying in what appears to be the INTAKE PORT(?) just in case THEY turn it back on!
Henrik Knudsen 1 month ago
Asuming he put his personal lock on and has the key in his pocket, it's perfectly safe. Advisable, maybe not.
#24
Came Across This Emergency Exit At The Supermarket
Maureen Mitchell 1 month ago
I'm more alarmed by the trip hazard of cardboard
Load More Replies... joann fielding 1 month ago
Ok, yeah, that's bad, but check out the prices on the coke and pepsi!
Are you starting to appreciate your cushy office job after scrolling through these photos, pandas? Keep upvoting the ones that nearly gave you a heart attack, and let us know in the comments below what the most dangerous thing you’ve ever witnessed at work was. Then, if you’re looking for another list featuring photos that definitely include OSHA violations, check out this Bored Panda article next!
#25
He Was Even Proud Of The Solution
UnclePanda 1 month ago (edited)
I think somebody misheard. He only _sounded_ like he said 'bucket.'
Ghostchaplain16 1 month ago
That's ten points to Uncle Panda for the day!
Load More Replies... #26
Went With The Less Expensive Lighting Contractor
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
Surely you mean "intervention", when that rickety ladder monstrosity collapses? :/
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UnclePanda 1 month ago
Tie the silver ladder to the top of the middle section, then extend both and hope it falls into place against the beam?
Ghostchaplain16 1 month ago
I keep hearing the old hymn "We. Are. Climbing. Jacob's. Ladder." and "Nearer My God to Thee" as I look at this pic.
#27
Local City Water Line Repair In Below Freezing Temps. Note The Grade A Pump Placement
UnclePanda 1 month ago (edited)
It's a powerful metaphor for bureaucracy with strong undercurrents of systemic madness on display.
Blue Bunny of Happiness 1 month ago
A demonstration of the water cycle, narrated from the perspective of the water.
#28
Who Needs A Lift Gate Switch? My Boss Has To Be The Cheapest Bastard Ever
Bob Brooce 1 month ago
Assuming it runs on 12 volts you could stick your finger in it, but they wouldn't close the circuit.
#29
I'm So Confused
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
It seems pretty obvious to me? This door is not a fire exit, the fire exit is to the right (where the arrow is pointing) - as per the other paper's instructions "follow diversions" XD
UnclePanda 1 month ago (edited)
They need lighted exit signs so folks can follow the egress path in smoke and darkness, possibly while panicking.
Load More Replies... Hippopotamuses 1 month ago (edited)
Wouldn't it be better if there were no references to the fire exit? You don't want any ambiguity in smokey areas when your life may be on the line.
#30
No Harness, 300ft Drop
Siege Rook 1 month ago
That was going to be my guess. I've seen a few shots of the insides of these things before, and that's about the only thing that would line up with a 300' drop.
Load More Replies... #31
I’m At A Loss For Words — And Limbs
UnclePanda 1 month ago (edited)
"Hey BillyBobJoeJim, hang on a sec. Let me get the camera ready."
Hippopotamuses 1 month ago
If it weren't for the green stains on the blade, I'd believe this was a joke.
#32
She Took Her Shoes Off Because "That Would Be Unhygienic"
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
I'm not sure if she gets bonus points or even more points taken away for wearing burger-themed socks at what appears to be a McDs XD
Owen 1 month ago
This one's not so bad. And I would bet that she took off her shoes to show her burger socks for a laugh.
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#33
Changing The Sign At My Local Whataburger
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
If ONLY there was a tool, perhaps on a long extensible pole, that was actually MADE for changing the letters on these marquee signs! Alas! If only! /s
Bill Swallow 1 month ago
Worker: "Oh, you think my boss would spend a nickel on something like that? Let me laugh harder!"
Load More Replies... #34
Somewhere In There Is Two Guys Cutting The Concrete With A Saw. No Masks, No Goggles
#35
I Can Tell From The Outside That The Back Exit Of This Chick-Fil-A Is Blocked
#36
Heres A Lesson On Leaving A Man In A Trench Alone…… Me
LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
OP's explanation from another of their posts on Reddit: "i got hurt at work last year really bad and dont feel like telling the whole story so the short explanation is a excavator bucket smushed me to the ground when i was leaning over. right femur snapped in half 4 pelvic fractures (2 on each pubic rami) SI [sacroiliac] joint fracture traumatic very deep perineal rip (bútt to scrótúm) very very very deep i had the trauma repair then femur fusion then tried to walk and couldn’t from back pain, so SI [sacroiliac] fusion then off to therapy. this was last year [2023] October."
#37
Found A Suicide Cable
UnclePanda 1 month ago
To power an outlet on the other side of the wall. They're called s*****e cables for a reason.
Load More Replies... #38
Men On This Roof With Harnesses, But The Harnesses Aren't Actually Attached To Anything
Börje Strömming 1 month ago (edited)
And connecting it to whatever you can find isn’t a viable option either, it should be points of connection especially made for the purpose of safety lines. Had that discussion with my teamleader who agrees but still doesnt tell his superiors off. ”Ah well what can you do” - Not do the job ffs!
SnootWaggling Fox 1 month ago
This is infuriatingly common. It's done to save a little effort moving the lines while making it difficult to see the safety violation from the street
#39
5th Floor, Can Open The Window, Bottom Is 2ft High
Kira Okah 1 month ago
From what can be gleaned from the OP: this is somwhere in Europe, and the window opens fully, though no statement on inward or outward.
OneHappyPuppy 1 month ago
There are no visible hinges so logic says outward, but all windows I've ever seen in Europe of this sort open inward
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Kira Okah 1 month ago
A fifth storey window that can fully open with a low ledge, someone could trip on something and fall out of an open window to splat on the concrete.
Load More Replies... #40
My Father's Solution For Only Having One Jack Stand
Siege Rook 1 month ago (edited)
Unless the vehicle is already so tall that I can fit under it TWICE before putting it up on them, I refuse to work under jack stands PERIOD, no matter how many of them there are. I have personally witnessed too many accidents with them (including some injuries, thankfully none serious), and heard about too many more, to ever feel comfortable with them. Heck, I don't like 2-post lifts, either - I've seen a few cars come off of those, too. Always made me wish we had some kind of secondary support to put in place, just in case. No way in hell I'd work under this kind of redneck shade-tree mechanic BS.
MotorcycleDoggo 1 month ago
A friend has a 45' boat suspended on (a lot of) these. Pretty sturdy/
#41
Hmm Nothing Can Go Wrong Here
Kira Okah 1 month ago
Giant ice ball, emergency shutoff is inside the ice ball.
Load More Replies... #42
How Safe Is This?
#43
Drywaller Creating A Literal Dust Cloud At The Job
#44
So I Work At A Day Surgery Center And The New Materials Manager Orders Way Too Many Tanks Now
I don’t think this is safe and there’s no room to move. Of course it’s not their “problem” since they don’t change the tanks. Am I wrong?
UnclePanda 1 month ago (edited)
It depends on what's in the tanks but there's a general lack of chains securing them from falling over. That one chain is too loose to really count. It's more like a trip hazard for the front tank.
Tropical Tarot 1 month ago
Green is the standard color for oxygen her in Florida. So tanks go boom.
Load More Replies... LakotaWolf (she/her) 1 month ago
This reminds me of the time that my sister and her live-in friend decided they wanted to open up their own independent version of a Creamistry ice cream store (the kind where they use liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream.) The problem is that, for some reason, they bought a GIGANTIC tank of liquid nitrogen before actually GETTING ANY PERMITS or even locking down a location for their store (or doing any actual market research), and they decided to store it in MY garage (I live next door to them) because I "had more room". I was terrified of that tank rupturing (my sister and her friend are not known for following safety precautions to the letter, shall we say.) That stupid tank sat in my garage for YEARS, long after their dream of owning a Creamistry ripoff died. I finally told my sister to get that tank the holy hell out of my garage XD She still didn't, so I put it on a dolly and wheeled it into their garage. It disappeared shortly afterwards XD
UnclePanda 1 month ago
I checked the tank color charts and darkish green was usually associated with oxygen. I looked at my oxy-acetylene torch and the oxygen tank is also green. I think it's a floor or building wide oxygen distribution system.
Tropical Tarot 1 month ago
Its a day surgery center. its used for patients.
Load More Replies... #45
Gotta Love Colin Furze Pioneering New Safety Standards On The Internet
MotorcycleDoggo 1 month ago
This is still orders of magnitude safer than some of his creations.
#46
Saw This In The Netherlands Visiting Some Windmills
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Stardust she/her 1 month ago
I enjoyed drawing some free body diagrams for the ladders to see how catastrophic the results could be
Stardust she/her 1 month ago
I enjoyed drawing some free body diagrams for the ladders to see how catastrophic the results could be
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