Safety is a year-round commitment. It is essential that we always remain vigilant, as complacency can lead to serious consequences. In many cases, major losses or severe accidents can be anticipated by closely analyzing the frequency of near misses or minor incidents. Studies consistently show that for every nine incidents that do not result in injury or significant property damage, there is often one that leads to a major injury or substantial loss.

While most accidents are driven by behavior, unsafe conditions should not be overlooked. Conditions are often easier to identify and correct, whereas unsafe acts require sustained effort to influence behavior and build a strong culture of safety.

Labeling an individual as “careless” following an accident is convenient, but it rarely addresses the true root cause. Often, individuals may not fully understand the risks involved, recognize established rules, or appreciate the potential consequences of their actions. It is the responsibility of leadership to identify high-risk behaviors, provide appropriate education, and, when necessary, eliminate activities altogether to reduce the likelihood of an accident.

The Twelve Months of Safety program is designed to keep awareness high throughout the year by highlighting potential exposures before losses occur. While some events may be considered “acts of God,” such as hurricanes or flooding, preparation remains critical—especially in regions where these events are likely. For example, in hurricane-prone areas like Florida, proactive measures such as evacuation planning, securing property, installing shutters, and removing outdoor items can significantly reduce risk and damage.

At Verist, our specialists focus on loss prevention, mitigation, and risk identification. By sharing our expertise and experience, we help reduce injuries, protect property, and support more resilient operations.

We encourage you to review these materials and share them broadly. Through a “people helping people” approach, we can create safer environments, contribute to overall well-being, and help organizations operate more competitively and profitably.

Twelve Months of Safety Insights

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided for information purposes only is not intended to constitute legal, medical or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal and/or other professional advisors. Some of the information, examples and suggestions presented in this material may be compiled by third party sources we consider to be reliable, however we do not guarantee and are not responsible for the accuracy of such information. We assume no duty in contract, tort, or otherwise in connection with this publication and expressly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any liability in connection with this publication. Verist Inc. does not undertake to update the information included herein after the date of publication. Accordingly, readers should be aware that certain content may have changed since the date of this publication.