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The internet has given us many gifts, but perhaps the most fascinating is the endless supply of photos showing people with a truly breathtaking disregard for their own well-being. You know the ones: the ladder balanced on two chairs, the person using a power tool in flip-flops, the human pyramid designed to change a single lightbulb. They're a car crash of bad ideas that you simply can't look away from, a baffling display of physics-defying confidence that makes you question everything.

While we can all have a good laugh (and a slight panic attack) at these wild safety violations, they're also pretty effective cautionary tales. They serve as a powerful reminder that there's usually a much smarter, safer, and less meme-worthy way to get a job done. So, we've paired some of the most cringe-worthy safety fails with the actual products that would have solved the problem in seconds, plus a few other essentials that will upgrade your personal safety game.

#1

We Can Only Hope This Legend Was Wearing Some Steel Toe Safety Boots 

Person dangerously reaching into a wood chipper without proper safety gear next to worn work boots on floor.

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Lady Eowyn
Community Member
4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just another damned shopping list.

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    #2

    If It Stupid, But It Works, Is It Really Stupid? Yes. Yes It Is. Rather Use A Proper Car Jack  Next Time

    Unsafe car lifting practices with poor support and proper use of jack stands for safety fixes and prevention.

    amazon.com , cornerzcan , Autumn Report

    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the pad to keep the straps from scratching the side of the car. He really thought of everything.

    #3

    Instead Of Trying The Ye Ol' Safety Squint Method, Use Some Proper Safety Glasses 

    Person grinding metal with sparks flying in workshop, paired with clear safety glasses emphasizing safety fixes.

    amazon.com , KotAufmBrot , Jesus moreno Report

    #4

    If This Is How You Choose To Work, You'd Need To Keep Some Bleed Stop  On Hand

    Industrial worker trapped under cardboard pile in dangerous machine and a box of BleedStop bleeding control product nearby

    amazon.com , Omnijones777 , Amazon Customer Report

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    #5

    We Hope Its A Sturdy Hard Hat  You Have There Buddy... You're Going To Need It

    Worker in unsafe position on construction site next to close-up of safety helmet with American flag decals, highlighting safety nightmares.

    amazon.com , zoalcoalt , Bethany Evans Report

    #6

    For This Method, Replace Hard Hats With Life Vests 

    Workers on a lift above a pool and an uninflated safety life jacket, illustrating common safety nightmares and fixes.

    amazon.com , captain96 , Eric H. Report

    #7

    Screw The Rest, The Safety Gloves Are Doing Their Job!

    Police inspecting a traffic safety incident on a city street and a close-up of a gloved hand giving a thumbs up.

    amazon.com , reddit.com , Paul "Red" Nagy Report

    #8

    It's Dumb Enough To Polish A Cyber Truck To A Near Mirror-Like Finish. But Doing It Without A Respirator? Next Level Genius.

    People inspecting and working on a safety nightmare vehicle with reflective surfaces and a person wearing protective respiratory gear.

    amazon.com , ZombiesInSpace , Martin Report

    Russell Bowman
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One wonders what they used as the buffing compound ... some buffing compounds can release harmful particles, silica dust, which may lead to respiratory diseases such as silicosis.

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    #9

    This Lady Is Going To Need A Fire Blanket Pretty Soon

    Woman pouring flammable material near gas pump paired with a fire blanket for safety fixes and prevention.

    amazon.com , JoeKleine , Kelly A Report

    #10

    Better Invest In A Water Resistant Power Strip For This Setup

    Bathroom missing safety features beside electrical panel and black power strip with outlets and USB ports on wooden floor

    amazon.com , Tlotpwist , Sammi Breitkreutz Report

    Grape Walls of Ire
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or perhaps several power strips in series. With frayed cables.

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    Source: gvsteve

    #11

    Keep Some Collapsible Cones In Your Car For The Inevitable Roadside Warning

    Unsafe pickup truck load with person riding unsecured, and a large construction dumpster with safety cones on a residential street.

    amazon.com , Shiftclick46 , Eric S Report

    #12

    If Your Grandpa Also Insists On Keeping An Asbestos Tin Around, You Should Insist On Keeping An Asbestos Testing Kit 

    Rusty tin container filled with powder and an asbestos home testing kit, illustrating common safety nightmares and fixes.

    amazon.com , pernaso77 , chris p Report

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    #13

    Adam Savage From Mythbusters Is Playing A Dangerous Game With His Watch And Rings Around Heavy Machinery. A Silicone Wedding Ring  Can Save Him A World Of Hurt

    Man operating a machine in workshop paired with close-up of hand wearing multiple safety rings for safety nightmares fixes

    amazon.com , TheWaveCarver , Ti Report

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just take the stupid ring off and put in your pocket, or leave it at home.

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    If you are deeply traumatised by these images and now want to overcompensate on safety, we don't blame you! Here are a few more safety essentials to help you get through your day accident-free.

    #14

    Your Toddler's Budding Career As A Rogue Chef Can Be Gently Put On Pause With Some Stove Knob Covers

    Child reaching for stove knobs protected by clear safety covers and a latch lock to prevent safety nightmares in homes.

    Review: "These work so great and are easy to maneuver around, not annoying or difficult to undo for adults." - Katie

    amazon.com Report

    KatWitch57
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had an electric hob and oven and always turned it off at the wall when not using.

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    #15

    You Can Ensure Your Impromptu Solo Concert In The Airbnb Remains A Completely Private Event With A Hidden Camera Detector

    Hand holding a WiFi full band detector device, highlighting tools for safety fixes and night safety solutions.

    Review: "This device is very helpful for personal security. I tested it in different rooms and it easily detected suspicious signals. It’s lightweight, portable, and comes with clear instructions. It gave me extra peace of mind during my travels. Highly recommended!" - Soyleidyosorio

    amazon.com , Soyleidyosorio Report

    #16

    Your Car's Plan B For When The Doors And Windows Stop Following The Rules Is A Car Safety Hammer

    Red emergency safety hammer with reflective strip and blade for quick escape, highlighting safety nightmares fixes.

    Review: "I was pleased with the product. Received as advertised." - Arnold Curry

    amazon.com , Amber Report

    #17

    The Universally Terrifying Moment When Food Goes Down The Wrong Pipe Can Be Met With Something More Effective Than Just Frantic Back Pats With An Anti-Choking Device

    First aid kit with emergency safety supplies and equipment addressing common safety nightmares and fixes.

    Review: "It arrived in perfect condition and of course I hope that I will never have to use it." - Yvonne W. Rosnik

    amazon.com , Customer Review Report

    #18

    The Panicked "What's That Smell" Game You Play In Your Kitchen Can Be Replaced With A Much More Reliable Gadget Like A 4-In-1 Natural Gas Leak Detector

    Gas and CO detector plugged into power outlet showing temperature and safety status indoors.

    Review: "I recently bought this to replace my old CO detector. Such a great product and really happy with it. It has multiple functions like temperature/humidity sensors apart from CO and natural gas sensors, which is a huge plus for me. It basically replaced multiple gadgets I had. And the display is really excellent both in size and quality. No need to worry about battery life as it plugs into regular power outlet. Tested out the alarm, and it's loud enough. With so many things going for it, it provides great value for money!" - Mohan

    amazon.com , Mohan Report

    Uncle Panda
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The problem with the game What's That Smell?! is that you lose if you win.

    #19

    The Frantic Search For A Band-Aid During Life's Tiny, Inconvenient Emergencies Can Be Replaced With Smug Preparedness Thanks To A Portable Emergency First Aid Kit

    Johnson & Johnson travel ready first aid kit with 80 pieces, including band-aids, Neosporin, and cleansing wipes for safety fixes.

    Review: "Just what I needed. Ordered two—one for my car, and another for my room. Always a good thing to have, just in case." - Lillyan

    amazon.com , Lillyan Report

    Quinn
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Speaking of smug: That mom with the black cat in that Sheba catfood commercial should get this for her kid. You know, since he's on his own when dealing with a bleeding flesh wound.

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