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Fear of retaliation keeps workers silent about safety hazards, according to a survey by Pie Insurance.

While employers prioritize compliance, policies and procedures, the data showed that the employee voice has largely been absent from these discussions. Meanwhile, the gap between what workers intend to do and what they actually do reveals how fear, confusion and resignation create invisible barriers to workplace safety.

“When asked what would make them feel safer at work, employees didn't request elaborate safety programs,” Pie Insurance said in the survey. “They asked for something more basic, just to be heard.”

Other key survey takeaways…

  • Confidence: 91% of employers are confident in their ability to address mental health issues, compared to only 62% of employees who share that confidence in their employers.
  • Workplace stress: 36% of employees report workplace stress affects their personal lives, impacting relationships, sleep, and mental health.
  • Formal safety training: 28% of employees report never receiving formal safety training, a significant gap in workplace preparation.

“When nine in ten employers feel confident about workplace safety but only six in ten employees share that confidence, the disconnect is clear,” said John Swigart, CEO of Pie Insurance.

“That gap isn’t just a workplace issue, it’s a resilience issue,” he added. “Small businesses thrive when their people feel genuinely safe and supported.”

Where employers see risks, according to Pie Insurance:

  • Most frequently cited: Physical, environmental and equipment hazards.
  • Confidence addressing mental health: 91%

“Employers believe they are well-equipped to support mental health, but employees are far less confident,” Pie Insurance said in the survey. “This mismatch reveals very different workplace realities.”

Where employees see risks, according to Pie Insurance:

  • Most frequently cited: Mental health concerns
  • Confidence in employer support: 62%

(Photo credit: Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com)

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