55 Real-Life Safety Tips That Might Just Protect You One Day

It only takes a split second for things to go wrong: a small oversight, a missed warning, or a moment of distraction. That’s why “safety comes first” isn’t just a phrase we hear growing up; it’s something that quietly protects us in ways we often don’t even notice. Whether you’re frying donuts at home, fixing something under your car, or simply going about your day at work, safety plays a bigger role than we give it credit for.

When we think about workplace safety, certain industries immediately come to mind: construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, healthcare, and laboratory work. These fields have strict safety protocols for a reason. But what’s interesting is that even professions that seem harmless on the surface can come with their own set of risks. Sometimes, the most overlooked jobs carry hidden dangers people rarely talk about.

With that in mind, we spoke to Amey Pirankar, a content creator and artist, to understand safety from a completely different perspective. When asked whether there are safety concerns in his field, Amey didn’t hesitate. “People assume artists don’t really have safety risks,” he says, “but that’s not true at all. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that people don’t realize.”

He begins with a simple but eye-opening example: “If you look at the back of crayon boxes, they always come with safety warnings. Materials we consider harmless can actually be risky, especially around children. Kids tend to put things in their mouths, and even small objects or art supplies can become dangerous if swallowed.”

And this isn’t just a rare occurrence. Studies show that young children frequently put objects in their mouths, which can sometimes lead to serious situations. Researchers analyzing data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that between 1995 and 2015, more than 755,000 children under the age of six were taken to emergency rooms after swallowing objects—that’s an average of 99 cases every single day. Over those 20 years, the rate nearly doubled, rising from 9.5 cases per 10,000 children in 1995 to 18 cases per 10,000 in 2015. The findings highlight just how common these incidents are, reinforcing why even everyday items need clear safety warnings and careful supervision when children are around.

Moving deeper into his work, Amey explains, “As artists, we constantly work with paints and pigments. It’s important to choose quality materials, especially if you’re using them daily. Some pigments contain heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or cobalt, and long-term exposure to these can affect your health without you even realizing it at first.”

He also sheds light on solvents commonly used in art: “Things like turpentine, mineral spirits, and acetone might feel like basic tools, but they’re not harmless. Spending time around the fumes or getting them on your skin can leave you dizzy, irritated, and even cause long-term health problems if you’re not careful. It’s easy to forget how strong these chemicals are when you’re focused on creating, but a little caution goes a long way.”

“Then there’s resin,” he adds. “It’s become incredibly popular lately; people use it to make jewelry, home decor, and all kinds of creative pieces. But working with resin isn’t risk-free. The chemicals involved can trigger strong skin reactions and even breathing problems if used without proper precautions.”