Are Health and Safety Professionals Risk Takers in Their Everyday Lives?
- KSH Safety Services
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
When you think of health and safety professionals, like me, you might picture someone meticulously ensuring that every hazard is controlled, every risk assessment is thorough, and every regulation is followed. But does this cautious mindset extend to their personal lives, or do they secretly embrace risk when off the clock?
The Paradox of the Safety Professional
Health and safety professionals are trained to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in the workplace. Their job revolves around preventing accidents, ensuring compliance, and promoting a culture of safety. But does this make them more risk-averse in their personal lives—or does their deep understanding of risk actually make them more calculated risk-takers?
1. The Safety-Conscious Mindset
Many health and safety professionals naturally apply their expertise outside of work. They might:
Avoid unnecessary risks (e.g., always wearing a helmet while cycling, checking fire exits in public places). In my case I always read the back of the door in hotel rooms I am staying in and follow the route, so I know my way out in the event of an evacuation in the middle of the night.
Plan meticulously (e.g., thorough preparation for trips, emergency kits in cars). This is very true of me… have you seen my car boot lately??
Educate family and friends on safety best practices. Definitely true with me.
For these individuals, risk management isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.
2. The Calculated Risk-Takers
On the other hand, some safety professionals do take risks—but in a controlled, informed way. Because they understand risk so well, they might:
Engage in extreme sports (e.g., rock climbing, skydiving) with proper safety measures in place. I have paraglided off a mountain before, raced round a race track and bobsleighed down a cresta run as the brakeman.
Make bold career or investment moves after carefully weighing pros and cons. I think going self-employed fits into this category.
Challenge conventional safety norms by innovating new ways to manage hazards.
Their professional knowledge allows them to take risks intelligently, rather than recklessly.
3. The Thrill-Seeking Safety Pro
Interestingly, some health and safety experts do have a daring side. The same people who enforce strict safety protocols at work might enjoy adrenaline-fueled hobbies like motorcycle racing (I know many motorcycling safety professionals), backcountry skiing, or even BASE jumping. Why?
They understand the limits of risk and know how to mitigate dangers.
They appreciate the psychology of risk—why people take chances and how to manage fear.
They need an outlet—after a day of enforcing rules, they might crave excitement.
So, Are They Risk-Takers?
The answer isn’t black and white. While many health and safety professionals are more cautious in their personal lives, others use their expertise to engage in smart, calculated risks. They may avoid unnecessary dangers but embrace challenges where they can control the variables.
Ultimately, their relationship with risk isn’t about avoidance—it’s about awareness, assessment, and management. And that’s what makes them great at their jobs—whether they’re ensuring someone straps on a safety harness at work or they wear a parachute on the weekend.
What do you think? Are you a safety professional who plays it safe 24/7, or do you have a daring side?
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