The 25 Worst Contractor Safety Excuses

September 14, 2016

Safety might not be a joke, but the 25 worst contractor safety excuses definitely are a joke. There is no acceptable excuse to skip out, go cheap or cut corners on safety. These excuses are far too common. How many of them do you hear at your job

1. I’ve been doing it this way for (X) years and never had a problem before.

2. We don’t have it in the budget.

3. What are the chances they actually need these?

4. New rules are for new contractors.

5. I heard someone still got hurt even with (safety equipment)…

6. We can’t make any upgrades until next year.

7. The province will never find out anyway.

8. I can’t listen to headphones while wearing safety gear.

9. We can’t complete this project on time if we take every safety precaution.

10. I don’t like safety goggles.

11. The cleanup on that spill can wait.

12. It’s too hot to wear gloves right now.

13. I forgot my safety gear, oh well.

14. My safety glasses are scratched, but too new to replace, so I’ll just not use them today.

15. I heard the new CE Code is long, I’m not going to read it.

16. If we post safety guidelines that will slow down work and be a distraction.

17. That’s not my mess over there, not my problem.

18. I’ve had this ladder for 25 years, I’m not replacing it.

19. My new (safety equipment) comes later this week. I can’t wait until it arrives to get working.

20. I’m young and invincible!

21. I can’t turn the power off, how will I see?

22. No time to test today.

23. My ears are already shot, what difference will it make?

24. I’ve been doing this for a year now, I can do this without any advice thank you.

25. I’ll be fine.

 

This article was first published online by Capital Tristate, the electrical distributor of choice in the USA’s Mid Atlantic Region.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Luxxbox Launches Quick Ship Program to Accelerate Project Timelines

    Luxxbox Launches Quick Ship Program to Accelerate Project Timelines

    July 16, 2025 Luxxbox announces the launch of its new Quick Ship Program, designed to provide architects, designers, and project managers in the United States and Canada with expedited access to a curated selection of their most in-demand acoustic lighting products. With a two-week turnaround from order to dispatch, the program ensures that project timelines… Read More…

  • ECS Earns Platinum Status for 8th Consecutive Year in Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

    ECS Earns Platinum Status for 8th Consecutive Year in Canada’s Best Managed Companies Program

    July 16, 2025 Electrical Cable Supply (ECS), Canada’s largest independently owned wire and cable distributors, is proud to announce its re-certification with the prestigious Platinum designation in Deloitte’s Canada’s Best Managed Companies program for the eighth consecutive year. This announcement recognizes ECS’s sustained excellence in strategy, innovation, culture, and strong financial performance. The Canada’s Best… Read More…

  • Nexans Canada Partners with Skills Compétences Canada to Sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026

    Nexans Canada Partners with Skills Compétences Canada to Sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026

    July 16, 2025 Nexans has announced its partnership with Skills Compétences Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies. As part of the partnership, Nexans will sponsor WorldSkills Team Canada 2026 as they prepare to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, taking place in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026. “At Nexans,… Read More…

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…