12/29/2025
Get the Year Off on the Right Foot, Not a Broken One
By: Keith Dague
December 29, 2025
As we wrap up this year, let’s talk about something that might not be on your radar: workplace safety. You might think that safety costs money, but I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to.
For years, employers have been taught that workplace safety comes at a cost. They believe they must sacrifice production and profits for safety. Employees have faced a different challenge when it comes to workplace safety: “Peer Pressure.” In many industries, safety has often been an afterthought, as it’s understood that you must be tough because the work is hard and physically challenging.
But what if I told you that workplace safety is actually a good investment? Studies show that companies investing in safety often see reduced insurance premiums and fewer days lost to injury. When done right, no one pays an arm or a leg, and both employers and employees reap the benefits of a safe workplace.
How is he so aware of what it takes to get the job done and how safety is handled?
Let me say this: I can appreciate what it takes for management to bring your projects in on time and within budget, and I can also appreciate the work each employee puts in every day to get the job done. I have over 50 years of experience in construction and safety, the first 20 years in various areas of construction and the past 30 in safety.
During my early years in construction, I personally took chances with my safety because I thought it was necessary to get the job done. There were close calls, but I was lucky enough not to experience serious consequences.
In the past 30 years, I’ve represented more employers before OSHA than I care to remember, where serious and even fatal accidents took place that could have easily been prevented.
So yes, I speak from years of experience and that experience tells me - There is a better way to prevent accidents in the workplace.
But never forget, I appreciate and understand how demanding your job is, in management and as an employee. I believe it’s my job to help you understand that safety should never cost you an arm or a leg—physically or from your pocket.
Getting the Year Off on the Right Foot: This old-school belief that still hangs around today continues to lead to dangerous situations and injuries that can be easily avoided. It’s crucial to shift the conversation around safety to emphasize that everyone benefits from a safe workplace.
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to rethink our beliefs about workplace safety. We need to get the year off on the right foot, not a broken one.
Here are 5 Steps for getting your workplace safety program off on the right foot in 2026:
1. Establish ROI: Highlighting the return on investment (ROI) emphasizes that investing in safety can lead to financial benefits, making it clear that safety is an asset that contributes to the bottom line rather than a costly liability.
2. Identify Tools: By identifying practical tools that are easy to implement, a plan provides you with safety measures that can be straightforward and affordable, reinforcing the idea that effective safety doesn’t have to be expensive.
3. Monitor Progress: By monitoring safety efforts, this allows management to identify effective practices and eliminate waste, demonstrating that safety can enhance operational efficiency rather than complicate processes.
4. Empower Employees: Empowering employees to take ownership of safety emphasizes that their insights and observations are valuable assets, reducing the burden on management and making safety a shared responsibility.
5. Celebrate Success: Celebrating safety achievements fosters a positive culture, reinforcing the idea that safety is a valuable asset that contributes to employee morale and engagement.
Workplace safety doesn’t have to cost anyone an arm and a leg. In fact, both management and employees should reap the benefits of a safe workplace. Employers should not have to sacrifice production and profits for safety, and employees should not have to experience a serious injury.
So, let’s get the year off on the right foot, not a broken one. Let’s work together to make a SAFE WORKPLACE a reality!
Management QuickTip: As we enter the new year, let go of outdated beliefs that safety is a cost rather than a valuable investment in your team’s well-being and productivity.
Employee QuickTip: This year, let go of the old mindset that being tough means ignoring safety; prioritize your well-being and set a positive example for your coworkers.
Safety is just as simple as using common sense. By being aware of our surroundings, taking responsibility for our own safety, and promoting a culture of safety, we can create a safer workplace for everyone. Remember to take the quiz and see how well you understand the importance of common sense in workplace safety.
