Voluntary Actions Feel Safer

The Voluntary Actions Feel Safer toolbox topic explains how workers often underestimate the risks of tasks they choose to do themselves. When an action feels voluntary—like “just helping out” or “getting it done faster”—people may drop their guard, skip safety steps, or use unsafe methods because they feel more in control. This topic reminds employees that all tasks, whether assigned or volunteered for, carry the same potential hazards and must be done with full attention to safety procedures.