"I've Done It This Way for Years, and I'm Still Alive": Why Old Attitudes Towards Safety Are No Longer Acceptable

In many UK workplaces, especially those with long-established traditions and practices, there’s a familiar phrase that often gets thrown around: “I’ve done it this way for years, and I’m still alive.” It’s a statement that accompanies shortcuts, outdated methods, and resistance to change when it comes to health and safety . While it may seem harmless or even sensible on the surface, this mindset is one of the most dangerous obstacles to improving workplace safety standards.

The Roots of the "Old School" Safety Mentality

Decades ago, industries such as construction, manufacturing, and mining in the UK operated under very different safety regimes than we see today. There was less focus on formal training, hazard awareness, and personal protective equipment (PPE), and more reliance on experience, common sense, and the "we’ve always done it this way" approach.

Workers often learned on the job, and if they avoided accidents, it was assumed that they had mastered the necessary skills and safety procedures. However, as our industries have modernised, so too have the risks. Equipment has become more complex, tasks more intricate, and regulations tighter, all of which require a modernised and forward-thinking approach to health and safety. Unfortunately, the old mindset of "I’ve always done it this way" still lingers, and it’s putting workers, and businesses, at risk.

The Illusion of Safety Through Experience

Let’s dissect the underlying message in statements like:

• "I’ve been doing this for 20 years."
• "I’ve never had an accident, so why change now?"
• "If it wasn’t safe, I wouldn’t still be here."

This mindset fosters an illusion of safety based on experience rather than evidence. Just because someone hasn’t had an accident doesn’t mean the methods they use are safe; it could just mean they’ve been lucky so far.

Imagine crossing a busy road without looking both ways. If you make it across unscathed, does that mean it was a good idea? Of course not—it simply means you were fortunate. The same principle applies to workplace safety. Just because an unsafe practice hasn’t resulted in an accident yet, doesn’t mean it’s safe.

Relying on luck, rather than sound safety protocols, is a gamble that no employer or employee should be taking.

The Cost of Complacency

The "I’m still alive" attitude can lead to serious consequences for both workers and organisations. Workplace accidents, even minor ones, can carry a significant cost in terms of:

• Lost productivity when staff are injured or absent due to safety incidents.
• Increased insurance premiums from frequent accidents.
• Legal consequences under UK law if companies are found negligent.
• Damaged morale when workers feel that their safety is not being prioritised.

In today’s environment, where safety regulations are tightly enforced, organisations cannot afford to be complacent. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) imposes strict penalties on companies found to be neglecting their legal duties, and serious breaches can result in costly fines or even imprisonment for those responsible.

Beyond the legal and financial implications, there’s also the reputational damage to consider. No company wants to be known as unsafe, and both clients and employees are increasingly drawn to businesses that take their responsibilities seriously.

Breaking Free from the “Old School” Approach

How can we move beyond this outdated mindset and foster a culture of safety that’s fit for the modern world?

1. Foster a Proactive Safety Culture Safety should never be reactive. Instead of only addressing issues when accidents happen, businesses need to take a proactive approach. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, encouraging continuous improvement, and engaging employees in conversations about safety. A proactive approach prevents incidents before they occur.
2. Ongoing Training and Development One of the biggest contributors to the "I’ve done it this way for years" mentality is a lack of up-to-date training. Workers need to be regularly educated on the latest health and safety regulations and best practices. When employees understand the reasons behind new safety protocols, they are more likely to adopt them.
3. Lead by Example Senior leadership and management play a crucial role in shaping workplace safety culture. If management overlooks unsafe practices because they’ve "always been done that way," workers will assume it’s acceptable to continue with them. Leaders must actively demonstrate their commitment to safety by following procedures and correcting risky behaviours.
4. Encourage Accountability and Ownership Everyone in the workplace should feel responsible for health and safety, not just management or safety officers. Empower staff to report unsafe conditions or practices, and recognise those who champion safety improvements. Making health and safety a shared responsibility ensures no one person’s shortcuts put others at risk.
5. Embrace New Technologies and Innovations From PPE advancements to safety monitoring technologies, embracing innovation is key to improving workplace safety. New solutions often reduce risks and make the job more efficient. Encouraging employees to adopt these innovations shows that the company is committed to their wellbeing, even if it means moving away from old ways of working.

Conclusion: Safety Is Everyone’s Business

The attitude of "I’ve done it this way for years, and I’m still alive" is no longer acceptable in modern workplaces. Safety standards have evolved for a reason: to prevent accidents, protect workers, and ensure that businesses operate responsibly and ethically.

Safety is not a burden; it’s a shared responsibility. Whether you’re a manager, an employee, or a contractor, it’s everyone’s duty to ensure that safe practices are followed. Only by leaving behind outdated attitudes and embracing modern safety standards can we create safer workplaces for everyone.

Have you encountered the "I’ve always done it this way" mentality in your workplace? How did you address it? Share your thoughts and experiences below.