This poem says it all, whether you are talking forklift safety, aerial lift safety or any workplace safety:

I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.

It wasn’t that I didn’t care; I had the time, and I was there.

But I didn’t want to seem a fool, or argue over a safety rule.

I knew he’d done the job before; if I spoke up he might get sore.

The chances didn’t seem that bad; I’d done the same, he knew I had.

So I shook my head and walked by; he knew the risks as well as I.

He took the chance, I closed an eye; and with that act, I let him die.

I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.

Now every time I see his wife, I know I should have saved his life.

That guilt is something I must bear; but isn’t’ something you need to share.

If you see a risk that others take that puts their health or life at stake,

The question asked or thing you say; could help them live another day.

If you see a risk and walk away, then hope you never have to say,

“I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.”

 by: Don Merrill