Safety Myths
While the popular television program MythBusters and websites like Snopes.com enjoy a great deal of popularity in mainstream media, the personnel in Environmental Health and Safety thought it might be the perfect time to debunk a few safety myths. While we all enjoy a good story now and then, knowledge of the following myths may keep you safe on and off the job:
Myth #1 - Home is much safer than the workplace.
- Accidents do happen and, regrettably, may result in serious injury or death. According to the National Safety Council, accidental injury is the leading cause of death for people under 40 and the fifth leading cause of death for people of all ages, but where do these accidents occur?
- Surveys have demonstrated time and again that most people feel safer at home than they do at work, even though the opposite is true. For example, in 2020, 4,764 workers died on the job and there were 1,062,700 nonfatal injuries and illnesses that caused a private industry worker to miss at least one day of work in 2020. During the same time, the National Safety Council reports that more than 9 out of 10 deaths and 85% of the medically consulted injuries suffered by workers in 2020 occurred off the job. While over 22 times the number of deaths occur off the job than on the job (22.8 to 1), nearly 6 times as many medically consulted injuries occur off the job (5.98 to 1). Safety remains a high priority at work, but it needs to be considered as well at home.
Myth #2 - Most work-related injuries are the result of unsafe conditions.
- Make no mistake about it, unsafe working conditions can and do cause accidents, but statistics suggest they are only responsible for about 10% of reported injuries. Almost 90% of reportable injuries are the result of unsafe acts. This statistic emphasizes the importance of comprehensive safety training, clearly organized work plans and written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Engineered safety systems remain an integral part of worker protection, but safety is really about the workers themselves. The cornerstone of any safety program is you.
Myth #3 - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the first line of safety in the workplace.
- Actually--it is the last. When workers are subjected to hazards on the job, the first lines of defense are engineering controls. Engineering controls, such as fume hoods, interlocks, and shields minimize occupational exposures by keeping you away from hazards. When engineering controls cannot totally protect workers, the next protections used are administrative controls, such as SOPs, work schedules, and staff rotations.
- Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense between you and your workplace hazards. You need to remember the limitations of this equipment and that it simply provides a small barrier between you and your workplace hazards. That is why it is so important to make sure PPE is properly always fitted and kept clean and in good condition.
Myth #4 - Safety is the responsibility of the Environmental Health and Safety department.
- Well, this one is partially true. EHS does have overall responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s comprehensive safety program, however, EVERYONE plays an important role. You are responsible for following established safety procedures and your supervisor is responsible for ensuring they are followed. Ultimately, SIUE has a general duty to maintain a safe work environment and EHS is here to assist with training and consultation services. As stated in myth #2, the cornerstone of any safety program is you.
