Adding Humor to a Serious Safety Presentation

Adding Humor to the Deadly Serious Topic of Safety Messaging

Why Paying Attention Matters – No, Really, It Does.

The most interesting description of safety I have heard is you want your team to come in with ten fingers and toes and leave with ten fingers and toes. In high-stakes environments like manufacturing or construction, a minor slip-up can lead to major consequences and that minor slip up can happen because someone was not paying attention to detail.

In this video, I provide a humorous anecdote where I was not paying attention to detail, which cause a bit of a mess but no further damage. The key message though is that it is critical to be aware of your surroundings

In a workplace, though, that kind of “oops moment” could have bigger stakes. In fact, according to OSHA, around 4,700 workers lost their lives on the job in the U.S. in just one year. A lot of those tragedies could have been avoided with just a bit more attention to detail. Imagine that!

🛠️ Everyday Risks in Manufacturing – They’re Not Just on Paper

If you’re in a manufacturing plant, you know the potential hazards are everywhere. Sharp tools, heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals—heck, you’ve got enough in your day to keep things interesting. A quick distraction, even with something as mundane as a razor, could mean a trip to the ER rather than a smooth shift. Studies show that about 75% of workplace accidents happen due to improper handling and lack of attention. That’s why a little bit of mindfulness can go a long way.

😂 Using Humor to Keep Safety Real and Memorable

Now, I believe humor is more than just a good laugh—it’s a brilliant way to make safety stick. My little shaving foam fiasco? Not just a funny story; it’s a reminder that mistakes happen when we’re not paying attention. When I share anecdotes like this during safety talks, people tend to relax and get more engaged. Humor makes it easier to approach these conversations and helps the message actually stick. When people laugh, they’re much more likely to remember the lesson, which can be the difference between a safe shift and a risky one.

Providing a message about Safety through Humor might seem oxymoronic but relevant humor in a keynote presentation to reinforce your serious message is a very valid tool.

Adding Humor to your Presentation: The Course

Your author

Conor Cunneen is IrishmanSpeaks. He is happily exiled in Chicago where he earns a living as a humorous motivational speaker whose mission is to Improve People, Performance & Productivity with a Smile.

His acclaimed course on Adding Humor to your Presentation will ensure your next presentation leaves your audience with a smile on the face, a spring in the step and memorable, actionable takeaways to Keep On, Keepin’ ON.