Imagine this: You're frantically searching the kitchen for that essential ingredient; the salt. You scour counters, peer into cabinets, and even check the pantry twice. But it's nowhere to be found. Just as frustration sets in, your partner walks in and points out the saltshaker — right there, on the counter, in plain sight. How did you miss it? The answer lies in a fascinating phenomenon called a scotoma. Scotomas, literally meaning "darkened place" in Greek, are blind spots in your vision. They can be caused by anatomical factors, but our brains can also create them, essentially filtering out information we don't actively seek. In the context of worker safety, scotomas become a metaphor for hidden dangers and overlooked protocols. These blind spots can have serious consequences, potentially leading to injuries, illnesses and even fatalities. The National Safety Council reports there were more than 3.4 million nonfatal workplace injuries in 2022 alone. While safety regulations and protocols are in place, blind spots leave workers vulnerable. These gaps can encompass everything from ingrained behavioral patterns like shortcut-taking to seemingly insignificant environmental factors like poor lighting or cluttered walkways. The good news is, by proactively identifying and eliminating blind spots, you can create a demonstrably safer and healthier work environment for your employees. The slideshow above spotlights common blind spots when it comes to worker safety and risk management. Remember: Identifying and eliminating safety blind spots is an ongoing process. It requires a commitment from leadership to prioritize safety at all levels.

Building a culture of safety

Here are some additional tips to foster a culture of safety in your workplace:

• Invest in safety training: Regular safety training keeps employees up-to-date on best practices, equipment usage, and emergency procedures.
• Empower employees to speak up: Encourage open communication about safety concerns. Let workers know they can report potential hazards without fear of reprisal.
• Recognize and reward safe behavior: Acknowledge and celebrate workers who demonstrate safe work practices. This reinforces the importance of safety and motivates others to follow suit.
• Lead by example: Management plays a crucial role in setting the safety tone. Leaders should actively participate in safety initiatives and demonstrate a genuine commitment to worker well-being.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a wealth of resources to help businesses develop and maintain comprehensive safety programs.

The bottom line

By acknowledging and addressing worker-safety blind spots, you can create a work environment where employees feel safe, valued and empowered to prioritize their well-being. This not only benefits their health and happiness, but also translates to a more productive and engaged workforce. Additionally, proactive safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, leading to lower workers' compensation costs and a healthier bottom line for your business. Mike Lopez ([email protected]) is a partner and workers' compensation strategist at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. Also by this contributor:

• How to navigate workers' comp challenges with cultural resilience
• A guide to mastering remote-work risk
• Redefining safety for workers' comp excellence