>We have safety meetings every Monday and Friday after lunch. Statistically, most accidents happen right after lunch, so the idea is to talk about it before it happens, as if talking is a kind of protective spell, a hex against fiery death, or crushing death, or the whirring blades of amputation, or decapitation.

A rather childish way to see it, but fair. Speaking as a full time "heavy" diesel engine mechanic for a small chain of midwest shops, I've been part of these meetings and ive even organized a few. talking about the issues, or identifying the risks, helps break you out of the 40 hour a week, hammer swinging, wrench turning hypnosis of shop work for just a minute.

I once started a meeting with an emergency contact form and a few dice. Everyone got to roll a dice, and that number 1-5 corresponded to a finger they couldnt use while completing the form. 6 meant they couldnt use their dominant hand. Needless to say, the point was made. You dont always get to choose what you lose when you play with safety.