Common Sense IS Common – But Are You Using Yours?
Morry Brookler, CSP, TSC
Risk Management I (RSMC) Risk and Safety Management Consultant @ BBSI I OSHA Authorized Instructor I Leadership Trainer I HR Certified Staffing Professional.
Every day, workers head to their jobs equipped with the most powerful tool for staying safe: common sense. Yet, despite its availability, workplace injuries still happen. Why? Because too often, people choose to ignore it. Let me tell you a story that drives this point home.
The Tale of the Ladder That Didn’t Lie
A few years ago, I was conducting a routine safety inspection at a warehouse. I saw a worker balancing on the top rung of a ladder—clearly marked “DO NOT STAND HERE.” I stopped and asked, “Why are you up there?” He shrugged and replied, “It’s just faster this way.”
Moments later, the ladder wobbled, and he barely caught himself from falling. His common sense had warned him, but he ignored it for the sake of speed. Fortunately, that worker walked away with only a bruised ego instead of a broken bone.
The Common Sense Disconnect
The truth is, everyone has common sense. We know that standing on the top rung of a ladder is risky, walking under a suspended load is dangerous, or not wearing PPE in hazardous areas is foolish. But often, we override our instincts with excuses:
“I’ve done this a hundred times before.”
“It’ll only take a second.” ?
“That rule doesn’t apply to me.”
The result? Injuries. Lost time. Lives forever changed…
Bringing Common Sense Back into Focus
Safety isn’t about memorizing rules; it’s about applying the knowledge we already have. Here’s how we can harness our common sense every day: 1. Pause Before You Act: Take a moment to think about what you’re about to do and the potential risks. 2. Call Out Unsafe Behavior: If you see something unsafe, speak up. Sometimes, it takes a reminder to reconnect with what we already know. 3. Practice Consistency: Safe behavior isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a habit.
Safety Starts With You
Ignoring common sense doesn’t just put you at risk; it endangers your coworkers, your family, and even your livelihood. The next time you catch yourself about to take a shortcut, ask yourself: “Is this worth it?” Your answer could prevent the next injury—or save a life. Let’s stop ignoring what we know to be true. Common sense is common. It’s time to use it.
#WorkplaceSafety #CommonSense #SafetyFirst #InjuryPrevention #OSHA #MSHA #RiskManagement #SafetyTraining #SafetyCulture #SafeWorkplace #LadderSafety #HazardAwareness