One of the real head-scratchers in the realm of workplace safety is the reality that such a large percentage of accidents, especially serious ones, happen to experienced workers. Common sense would dictate that newer, younger, less trained workers would make the most mistakes leading to injury.
It has become widely accepted that complacency is a major challenge for the old hand, especially on a more or less routine task. Unplug the brain, zone out, rely on habit to get it done. “I’ve done this job thousands of times… I could do it in my sleep... nothing to worry about.” Such reduced vigilance and mindfulness is indeed a major challenge to safe work, especially in the experienced. The problem is compounded by some common habits of mind that encourage us to feel safer than we actually are in hazardous situations.