At the American Chamber of Commerce of TT’s HSSE Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain on November 12, American safety speaker Lee Shelby delivered a compelling presentation on workplace safety. Shelby, a survivor of a life-altering electrical accident, emphasized the dangers of complacency and overconfidence in the workplace. He shared his personal story of losing both arms in a 1991 accident, which he attributed to a series of small, avoidable mistakes and a mindset that dismissed risk. Shelby warned that most serious incidents stem from ordinary tasks and the normalization of unsafe behaviors, such as rushing, distraction, and procedural shortcuts. He urged business leaders and safety professionals to foster a culture of intervention, respectful communication, and vigilance. Shelby’s message was clear: safety is a personal responsibility that impacts not only the individual but also their colleagues, family, and community. His presentation underscored the importance of behavioral safety, leadership accountability, and proactive measures to prevent workplace accidents.
The hidden dangers of routine: a warning on workplace safety gaps
