Workplace Fails That Are Definitely an OSHA Violation
Safety in the workplace is supposed to be important, and thankfully, most of the time it is. But sometimes, you find folks who seem to think losing a limb (or worse!) is less of an inconvenience than the safety protocols their employer has put in place.
If these crazy photos tell us anything, it’s that workplace safety clearly means different things to different people. Here are some of the most hilariously blatant safety violations you’ll find anywhere!
At Least They Warned You
People are so inconsiderate sometimes–they’re always having emergencies at the most inopportune times and places. Thankfully, no working emergency phone always equates to no emergencies…sometimes.
Watch Your Step
If you’re gonna work this job, previous experience with a balance beam is essential. Looks like all those years of gymnastics will pay off after all.
Don't Waste Your Time on Medical Waste
Okay sure, in a perfect world these used hypodermic needles would be safely disposed of. But this is the 21st century, and things move fast–we don’t have time to worry about silly stuff like “hepatitis.”
Some Problems Have Multiple Solutions
It seems like the most logical thing would be to fix the thermostat so that it doesn’t shred the shoulders of whoever is unfortunate enough to brush past it. But the giant, scary signs all around it also do the trick, I suppose.
New Guy on the Job
I don’t believe for a minute that that bear knows how to safely run the machinery. But I wouldn’t dare be the one to confront him about it!
Has Anyone Heard from Dave?
In the mid 90s, Dave was clearly on top of things when it comes to fire safety. Unfortunately, no one’s seen him since 1995, and that fire extinguisher could really use a replacement.
A Wrench in the Plans
I couldn’t begin to figure out what this wrench is keeping on or off, but something tells me this isn’t approved procedure. Here’s hoping that no one ever wants to flip that switch!
Watch Out for Open Flames
Listen, this is not the safest way to heat your workplace, and I’m sure that whoever did this knows that. All I can say is that I’m glad these dummies aren’t building my house!
Smoking Kills
One way or another, cigarettes are going to kill this guy. Also, let’s find him an adult education center so he can learn to read.
Ladder-ception
If something were to go wrong with this setup, you’ve got plenty of time think about your stupid decision as you fall to the ground. I wouldn’t count on that guy at the bottom you catching you!
What's Behind Door Number One?
Sure, you might die in a fire, but at least you have a good excuse to be lazy and take the elevator. Here’s hoping that it’s more real than this emergency “exit.”
Circus Act
Balanacing on a door might be a little easier than balancing on a tightrope, but not by much! Let’s just hope nobody needs to use that door.
"Fresh" Fish
Now would be the perfect time to go vegan–at least if you shop at this grocery store! Thankfully, the sign just says “no smoking” and not “no standing on fish,” so he’s not technically breaking any rules.
Now Hiring: No Brain Necessary
Sometimes accidents happen that are no one’s fault. This is not one of those cases. This is more a situation where you look the other way and let nature take it’s course.
Hope You Brought Your Own Map
Most people are simply followers–they want to be told how to evacuate. But not the folks that work here! If they survive, it’s going to be because of hard work and personal initiative.
Science or Safety: There Can Only Be One
If you play with fire, you’re gonna get burned. Unfortunately, it looks like playing with water might get you burned, too.
Watch Out for That Pothole
This warning cone might adhere to the letter of the safety law, but whoever put this here clearly had no intention of being helpful. Hopefully whoever is fixing this is more competent than the guy that came before him.
One Foot in Front of the Other
Only the pure of heart may enter. Those who fall will be fed to the creature that lives in this pit.
They're in for a Shock
These people may not be electricians, but they’re about to get a painful lesson in conductivity. Seems like you might want to plug up whatever is leaking at some point.
Floating Tower of Death
There are so many things wrong with this picture that we honestly don’t know where to begin. We can’t prove it, but we have a sneaking suspicion that these guys didn’t wait thirty minutes after eating before getting into the pool!
Physics is a Two-Edged Sword
This method is definitely faster than taking the stairs. Hopefully you don’t mind a broken bone or two.
Heart Health is Overrated
Putting the defibrillator behind shelves is great if you want to keep your employees from horsing around with it. It’s not so ideal if someone is actually having a heart attack, though.
If They Only Knew
I don’t want to pretend that this doesn’t look dangerous. All I want to point out is that the folks building the Hindenburg probably had an easier time than the folks who made that fateful trip on it.
Do As I Say, Not As I Do
It’s good to see this company taking safety iniatives seriously. They may have lost seven men getting the sign up, but it will be worth it once everyone is safe.
Trust Fall
Ideally, your coworkers would be reliable enough that you would trust them to do this, but smart enough to realize it’s a terrible idea. At least they got one out of two.
He's a Big Fan of 'Fargo'
I really hope that guy is being forced into a woodchipper and not going in of his own volition. Either way, someone is going to have a mess to clean up.
Define "Daily"
I’m sure no fires will start because of this. If they had really wanted you to clean out the filter daily, they would have said please.
It Was Like That When I Got Here
I’m sure this was a genuine accident and not just someone who got bored at work. No one’s ever been known to goof around with dangerous equipment before!
At Least There's the Traffic Cone
It’s not enough for this careless worker to electrocute himself. If he’s not careful, he’ll shock half the town with this!
Modern-Day Tower of Babel
In this instance, a house of cards would be just as sturdy as that pile of rubble that’s just begging to collapse. It doesn’t look like the guy is wearing a hard hat either, but does it really matter at this point?
