Why Feeling Safe at Work Isn't the Same as Being Safe

A recent survey from Avetta of workers in high-risk industries reveals a noticeable disconnect between how safe workers feel and how safe their workplaces truly are. Nearly eight in 10 workers report feeling safe on the job, though many recognize that formal safety systems are incomplete, misunderstood or not used at all.  

The survey’s findings point toward a “safety perception gap” that can leave organizations vulnerable to operational, reputational and legal risks. It also indicates that familiarity and routine may be masking vulnerabilities in safety programs, particularly around hazard reporting and system accountability. 

Perception versus reality: 

• 79 percent of workers say they feel safe day to day 
• 53 percent say their worksites have only partial safety systems 
• 17 percent are unsure whether any safety systems exist at all 

Hazards go unreported: 

• 68 percent regularly notice safety hazards 
• 72 percent choose not to report them 

Why workers stay silent: 

• 36 percent believe reporting hazards won’t lead to change 
• 29 percent fear retaliation or negative consequences 
• Eight percent don’t know how to report safety concerns 

Leadership focus is improving: 

• 62 percent say health and safety are becoming a higher priority for leadership 

Some key takeaways are that there is a strong interest in technology-enabled safety. Workers have even pointed out several tools they think could improve safety outcomes, including: 

• Digital credential tracking and verification 
• Unified risk management platforms 
• Better systems for training and competency management 
• AI-powered hazard detection 
• Frameworks for managing blended contractor and employee workforces 

Additionally, the survey suggests that compliance alone is not enough to ensure real-world safety. When hazards are seen but not reported, and when workers assume systems are in place without verification, organizations face hidden risks that can escalate into major incidents. Avetta’s parallel findings in Australia show similar trends, indicating that this is a global challenge rather than a regional one. 

The core takeaway for facility managers is clear: closing the safety perception gap requires visible systems, clear reporting pathways and a culture that encourages accountability – not just confidence. 

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market. 

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