Safety Third: Rethinking Workplace Safety with Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe, the host of Dirty Jobs and a well-known advocate for hard work, challenges the traditional “Safety First” mindset with a provocative alternative: Safety Third. In a series of articles and interviews, Rowe explains why placing safety on a pedestal can sometimes undermine its very purpose. His perspective has sparked conversations in industries where risk is a daily reality.
What Is “Safety Third”?
The concept of “Safety Third” originated during Rowe’s time on Dirty Jobs. While filming, he often encountered workers who joked that safety wasn’t their top priority. The phrase stuck with him—not as an excuse to ignore safety, but as a reminder of personal responsibility.
Rowe argues that “Safety First” can create a false sense of security. When people believe that safety is someone else’s responsibility—whether it’s the employer, the government, or the safety department—they may let their guard down. Instead, Rowe suggests that safety should always be a personal priority, balanced with the realities of getting the job done.
Key Takeaways from Mike Rowe’s Articles
1. Safety Is a Shared Responsibility
In his article “Safety Third!”, Rowe recounts an incident involving cowboys and bullfighters. Despite their inherently risky work, these professionals maintain high awareness and personal accountability. Rowe emphasizes that safety isn’t guaranteed—it requires everyone to stay vigilant.
2. The Risks of “Safety First”
In “Walk Me Through This ‘Safety Third’ Thing”, Rowe challenges the notion that safety should always come first. He points out that a hyper-focus on safety can lead to complacency. Workers might assume they’re protected and become less cautious, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
3. Origins and Practical Implications
In “The Origin of Safety Third”, Rowe explains how the phrase became a touchstone for him. It’s not about deprioritizing safety but about recognizing the limitations of slogans. True safety comes from individuals making smart decisions, not blindly following rules.
4. Empowering Workers to Own Safety
Rowe’s “Off The Wall: Safety Third” underscores the importance of equipping workers with the mindset and tools to prioritize safety themselves. He believes that creating a culture where everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions is more effective than any slogan or policy.
What Can We Learn from “Safety Third”?
Mike Rowe’s philosophy is a wake-up call for organizations to rethink how they approach safety. Instead of relying solely on procedures and slogans, companies should foster a culture where employees understand risks, take ownership of their actions, and support one another in staying safe.
The ARGO Perspective
At ARGO SH&E, we wholeheartedly align with the principles behind Mike Rowe’s “Safety Third” philosophy. Building a strong safety culture isn’t about relying on catchphrases like “Safety First.” It’s about creating systems and environments where safety becomes a value, shared responsibility, and an inherent part of day-to-day operations.
We believe that successful safety programs empower individuals and teams to take ownership of their roles in preventing incidents. Through our tailored SH&E solutions, we help organizations create scalable, fit-for-purpose safety cultures that are sustainable in the long term.
How ARGO Helps Build a “Safety Always” Mindset
1. Assessing Your Current Culture: Through workshops, surveys, and conversations with leadership and teams, we uncover your organization’s unique safety challenges and opportunities.
2. Custom Program Design: We collaborate with you to develop policies, procedures, and training that equip employees to take responsibility for safety.
3. Implementation and Support: Our hands-on approach ensures that your safety programs are launched effectively, with a focus on building a culture where safety is second nature.
Mike Rowe’s “Safety Third” serves as an inspiration to rethink safety from the ground up. At ARGO SH&E, we take it a step further by helping organizations create environments where “Safety Always” is the norm.
