PPE
Wearing gloves always protects your hands from all chemicals
Myth! Not all gloves protect against every chemical—always check the glove material compatibility
Fatigue increases your risk of slips, trips, and falls
Fact! Tired workers are less alert and more prone to accidents
Standing desks automatically prevent musculoskeletal disorders for office workers
Myth! Standing desks can help, but improper use or poor posture can still cause problems
Fire extinguishers should be checked and maintained annually
Fact! Regular inspection and maintenance are required by law
Workplace violence only refers to physical assaults
Myth! Workplace violence includes threats, harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse in addition to physical assaults
You only need to wear safety glasses when working with power tools
Myth! Safety glasses should be worn whenever there is a risk of flying debris, not just with power tools
Fall protection is only required when working at heights above 10 feet according to OSHA standards
Myth! OSHA generally requires fall protection at 4 feet in general industry, 5 feet in shipyards, 6 feet in construction, and 8 feet in longshoring.
Adjusting your chair height so your feet are flat on the floor helps prevent lower back pain
Fact! Proper chair adjustment supports healthy posture
Reporting harassment or threats, even if you’re not the target, is important for workplace safety
Fact! Reporting all incidents, even as a witness, helps prevent escalation and protects everyone.
Wearing the wrong type of protective footwear can be just as dangerous as wearing no protection at all
Fact! Incorrect footwear may not protect against specific hazards (e.g., punctures, electrical risks) and can give a false sense of security
A fall arrest system is the same as a fall restraint system and can be used interchangeably
Myth! Fall arrest stops a fall in progress; fall restraint prevents you from reaching a fall hazard. They are not interchangeable.
Only office workers need to worry about repetitive strain injuries
Myth! Repetitive strain injuries can occur in any job with repetitive motion, including manufacturing and construction
Water can be used to extinguish all types of fires
Myth! Water is dangerous on electrical or grease fires; use the correct extinguisher type
If harassment occurs offsite or after work hours between coworkers, it is not a workplace issue
Myth! Harassment between coworkers can still impact the workplace and should be reported, regardless of where or when it occurs.
Wearing slip-resistant shoes eliminates the risk of slips and falls on oily or wet surfaces
Myth! Slip-resistant shoes reduce risk but do not eliminate it; other controls are also needed
If you don’t feel pain during repetitive work, you are not at risk for a musculoskeletal disorder.
Myth! Injuries can develop gradually over time without immediate pain; early intervention is key.
Only supervisors and managers are responsible for preventing workplace violence and harassment
Myth! Everyone in the workplace shares responsibility for maintaining a safe and respectful environment
Ladders can be safely used on uneven surfaces as long as someone holds the base
Myth! Ladders should only be used on stable, level surfaces; having someone hold the base does not compensate for an unsafe setup.
Using a wrist rest while typing guarantees prevention of carpal tunnel syndrome
Myth! Wrist rests can help, but improper use or poor overall ergonomics can still cause injury
Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of death in workplace fires
Fact! Most fire fatalities are due to smoke, not burns
If an employee reports harassment but asks for the complaint to remain confidential and for no action to be taken, the company is not obligated to investigate further
Myth! Employers are legally required to investigate all reports of harassment or violence, even if the complainant requests confidentiality or no action. Failure to act can result in liability for the company and continued risk for employees