Episode 116 - Top 5 Excuses for Working Unsafely

Episode 116 digs into one of the most frustrating—and revealing—parts of safety leadership: the excuses people give for working unsafely. Dr. Ayers breaks down the five most common excuses, why workers use them, and how leaders can respond in a way that changes behavior instead of creating conflict.

  Core Message

Unsafe actions rarely come from bad intentions. They come from rationalizations—stories people tell themselves to justify shortcuts. When leaders understand these excuses, they can coach more effectively and prevent incidents before they happen.

  The Top 5 Excuses for Working Unsafely 1. “I’ve done it this way for years.”

This excuse is rooted in familiarity and routine. Workers assume past success guarantees future safety, ignoring how risk accumulates over time.

Leadership response: Reframe the conversation around probability, not history. Past luck is not a control.

  2. “I didn’t have time.”

Production pressure is one of the biggest drivers of unsafe behavior. Workers cut corners when they feel speed matters more than safety.

Leadership response: Clarify priorities and remove mixed messages. Reinforce that safe work is efficient work.

  3. “The right tools weren’t available.”

When equipment is missing, broken, or inconvenient, workers improvise. Improvisation often introduces new hazards.

Leadership response: Fix the system—not the worker. Ensure tools, PPE, and equipment are accessible and functional.

  4. “I didn’t think it was that dangerous.”

Risk perception varies widely. Workers normalize hazards they see every day.

Leadership response: Use coaching and real examples to reconnect workers with the real consequences of the task.

  5. “I didn’t want to bother anyone.”

Some workers avoid speaking up because they don’t want to seem difficult, slow things down, or challenge authority.

Leadership response: Build psychological safety. Make it clear that asking for help is a strength, not an inconvenience.

  Why These Excuses Matter

• They reveal gaps in training, communication, and culture.

• They help leaders identify systemic issues—not just individual behaviors.

• They provide coaching opportunities that build trust and improve hazard identification.

• They show where the organization may unintentionally reward shortcuts.

  Practical Takeaway

Excuses are clues. When leaders listen for the why behind unsafe actions, they uncover the cultural and operational issues that drive risk. Addressing these excuses with empathy and clarity leads to safer decisions and stronger teams.