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The Faces Of Safety: And Those Left Behind When Tragedy Strikes

Unveil the power of safety culture in this thought-provoking and inspiring read that challenges the way we think about employee safety.

"The Safety Investment" will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the human lives behind the hard hats and remind us all of the immense cost of neglecting their well-being.

Direct and challenging, this book poses tough questions to those in management and supervision and reveals the heartbreaking realities of the families affected by workplace tragedy. It's time to face the truth that the pain, suffering, and heartache caused by accidents cannot be described in words. But it's never too late to make a change. Are you, as a CEO, CFO, COO, or executive, ready to lead the way in proactively investing in the safety of your employees? Safety must come before profits, and the reputation of your company depends on it. So, ask yourself, what is a life worth to you? It's time to make a life-changing impact on the safety culture of your workplace. Safety is an investment , not only in your employees but in your company. The choice is yours, what is a life worth, and what are you willing to accept, the consequences are life-changing. Are you ready to accept this challenge?

128 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2023

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About the author

David A. Ward Sr.

1 book1 follower
David A. Ward Sr. is a dedicated family-oriented person, married, with five adult children: Toby, David Jr., NaTasha, Candiss, and Kaylynn and five grandchildren: Braedon, Brycen, Brennen, Gabriela, and Rio.

David spent six years in the United States Air Force, Security Police Squadron at RAF Lakenheath, England, and Offutt AFB Nebraska; twenty-three years with the Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) as a National Safety Examiner, Fire Chief, and EMT; and five years with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Federal Investigator. He retired after thirty-four years of federal government service in May 2011.

After he retired from the government, he started his own safety consulting company, Safety By Design Consulting Services from 2011–17 and is currently a Senior Safety Consultant with Sentry Insurance/Parker Services.

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5 stars
34 (97%)
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1 (2%)
3 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
1 review
December 21, 2025
This book isn’t your usual workplace safety guide, it’s more like hearing the real voices of people who’ve been affected by accidents. I found myself thinking about the families behind the stories long after I put it down. It made me care about safety in a way I never did before. Reader inspired by the personal focus and emotional weight.
Profile Image for Markie.
474 reviews34 followers
July 28, 2023
"The Faces of Safety: And Those Left Behind When Tragedy Strikes" by David A. Ward Sr. is a thought-provoking and impactful book that delves into the critical importance of safety culture in the workplace. Through compelling storytelling and a direct, challenging tone, the author urges readers to rethink their approach to employee safety and recognize the human lives behind the hard hats.

The book highlights the immense cost of neglecting the well-being of employees and reveals the heart-wrenching realities faced by the families affected by workplace tragedies. It confronts those in management and supervision with tough questions, urging them to take responsibility and make necessary changes to prevent accidents and injuries.

"The Faces of Safety" emphasizes that the pain, suffering, and heartache caused by workplace accidents cannot be adequately described in words. The author calls for a proactive investment in employee safety, arguing that safety must always take precedence over profits. He underscores that the reputation of a company depends on its commitment to the safety and well-being of its workforce.

Throughout the book, readers are challenged to evaluate the value they place on human lives and consider what a life is truly worth. The author appeals to CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and executives to lead the way in transforming their workplace safety culture. The message is clear: safety is not just a cost but an investment in the employees and the company itself.

The book encourages readers to embrace the challenge of making a life-changing impact on their workplace safety culture. It stresses that the consequences of neglecting safety can be far-reaching and devastating, but it's never too late to make a change.

In conclusion, "The Faces of Safety" is a powerful call to action, urging individuals in positions of leadership to prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees above all else. It serves as a wake-up call for organizations to reevaluate their approach to safety culture and take concrete steps towards creating a safer and more responsible work environment. With its emotionally charged narratives and compelling arguments, the book leaves readers with a profound appreciation for the human faces behind workplace safety and reminds us all of the urgency of this critical issue.
Profile Image for Sue.
2,208 reviews195 followers
August 2, 2023
a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that delves deep into the importance of safety culture in the workplace. With a compelling narrative, the author challenges conventional notions about employee safety and brings to light the true cost of neglecting their well-being. Through poignant stories of families affected by workplace tragedies, this book reminds us of the human lives behind the hard hats.

This book is a wake-up call for those in management and supervision, urging them to confront tough questions and take proactive measures to invest in the safety of their employees. It emphasizes that safety should always take precedence over profits, and the reputation of any company depends on how it values and protects its workforce. "The Faces of Safety" is not just a book; it is a call to action, inspiring leaders to make a life-changing impact on their workplace's safety culture. With its powerful message, this book has the potential to create a positive shift in how we prioritize and protect those who work tirelessly to keep our businesses thriving.
Profile Image for Abigail L..
2,180 reviews178 followers
August 3, 2023
In The Faces of Safety, you'll discover a profound and inspiring exploration of employee safety that goes beyond the hard hats and regulations. This book challenges the status quo and reveals the heartbreaking realities faced by the families of workplace accident victims. The stories shared in this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the human lives at stake and the immense cost of neglecting their well-being.

This book delivers a powerful message: Safety is not a luxury; it's an investment. With a direct and unapologetic tone, the author urges leaders to prioritize the safety of their workforce over profits.
Profile Image for Chris.
4 reviews
December 20, 2025
Ward Sr. delivers an emotionally charged wake-up c,all, exposing the devastating impact of accidents on families left behind and challenging readers to value human lives beyond insurance claims. With clear examples of optimistic bias and narrative fallacies, it equips supervisors with practical tools for orientation and accountability, transforming safety from a checkbox to a core investment. A must-read that inspires immediate, life-saving changes in any organization.
Profile Image for Larry.
3 reviews
December 20, 2025
This book masterfully humanizes workplace safety, urging CEOs and managers to prioritize lives over profits through poignant stories of tragedy's aftermath. Ward blends psychology, statistics, and real-world strategies like thorough training and risk assessment to dismantle complacency, making a strong case that safety is the true business bottom line. Essential reading for leaders aiming to foster a proactive safety culture that protects employees and boosts company reputation.
Profile Image for John Marx.
1 review
December 30, 2025
When I first started my business, safety honestly wasn’t at the top of my priority list. Like many entrepreneurs, I was focused on growth, customers, and keeping the lights on. I thought safety programs were something "big companies" worried about. After reading The Faces of Safety completely changed that mindset and we now have an entire program for our team. We might be all behind a computer screen but we have fully embraced this concept in our organization.
1 review
December 21, 2025
I picked this up out of curiosity about safety at work and didn’t expect to be so moved. The stories about what families go through after workplace tragedies really hit home. The author’s passion for safety and concern for real people came through on every page. It made me rethink how I see safety culture in any business.
Profile Image for Penelope Ashley.
12 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2026
This book is truly powerful and eye-opening. It highlights the emotional impact of safety failures in a way that stays with you long after reading. The author does a great job showing the human side of tragedy, not just the facts. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the importance of safety on a deeper level.
1 review
May 27, 2026
This book touched my heart in ways I did not expect. David A. Ward Sr. doesn’t just talk about workplace safety; he talks about human lives, families, pain, and responsibility. After listening to his interview, I could truly feel the passion and sincerity behind every word written in this book. It’s emotional, honest, and unforgettable.
2 reviews
May 27, 2026
I was genuinely moved by this book. It goes beyond safety procedures and statistics; it shines a light on the families left behind after tragedy strikes. The author’s words are heartfelt and real. After hearing him speak during the radio interview, I admired his mission even more. This is a book people need to read.
Profile Image for Deborah Levin.
354 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2024
The author provides a thought-provoking perspective of why taking safety precautions is important. This would be a great book for top-down leadership to read before assessing safety measures in place across the organization.
8 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2025
“One of the most engaging safety books I’ve read.”
I appreciated how the author blends experience with storytelling. The Faces of Safety encourages awareness, responsibility, and mindfulness in a way that doesn’t feel preachy. A great resource for professionals and everyday readers.
13 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2025
A thoughtful and powerful read.
The Faces of Safety opened my eyes to how much our daily habits shape the world around us. David A. writes with clarity, purpose, and real-life insight. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish.
Profile Image for El Mael.
2 reviews
December 19, 2025
This book offers a thoughtful and compassionate look at what safety really means, especially for those left behind after tragedy. It’s quietly powerful and written with sincerity. A meaningful read that stays with you.
1 review
December 21, 2025
Honestly, this felt like a gentle but firm push in the right direction for anyone in management. It doesn’t just talk about rules. It makes you think about the human side of safety. I’d recommend it to my boss if I could.
14 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2026
A very meaningful read. The stories shared in this book really make you stop and think about how important safety is in everyday life. It’s not just informative, but also emotional. Some parts were heavy, but that’s what makes it real.
9 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2026
This book delivers an important message about safety awareness and responsibility. It effectively combines real-life insights with emotional depth, making it both educational and impactful. A must-read for individuals and organizations focused on safety culture.
10 reviews1 follower
March 29, 2026
An engaging and heartfelt book that brings attention to a topic many overlook. The author writes with purpose and sincerity. It really makes you appreciate the importance of being careful and responsible in all areas of life.
1 review
Want to Read
May 27, 2026
This book was deeply moving and incredibly eye-opening. David A. Ward Sr. does an amazing job showing the real human impact behind workplace accidents. After hearing him speak during the radio interview, I appreciated the message of this book even more. A must-read for every leader and employee.
Profile Image for Daniel Williams.
3 reviews
May 27, 2026
Powerful, emotional, and honest. This book reminds us that safety is not just policy, it’s about people and families. The author’s passion during the interview was truly reflected in every chapter. Highly recommended.
2 reviews
May 27, 2026
I truly enjoyed both the interview and this inspiring book. David A. Ward Sr. brings attention to an important issue many companies overlook. The stories and message stayed with me long after reading.
1 review
May 27, 2026
Reading this book made me stop and reflect deeply on how one careless decision can change lives forever. The stories and message are incredibly powerful. David A. Ward Sr. spoke with so much compassion during the interview, and this book carries that same emotional impact from beginning to end.
1 review
December 19, 2025
Well-written and emotionally grounded. The Faces of Safety doesn’t dramatize loss, it respects it. The author’s perspective feels honest and reflective, making the message resonate.
Profile Image for DEBBIE CALIRE.
6 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2025
This book approaches a difficult subject with care and clarity. It’s informative without feeling cold, and emotional without being overwhelming. A solid and meaningful read.
1 review
December 21, 2025
What I liked most was how this book balanced emotion with practical points. You get the real tragedies behind the statistics and then it challenges you to actually do something about it.
Profile Image for Violet Everett.
11 reviews3 followers
March 29, 2026
I found this book very interesting and different from what I expected. It shows how safety affects real people and families. It’s a bit emotional, but it teaches an important lesson. Worth reading.
Profile Image for Jones Harwell.
Author 7 books2 followers
July 5, 2023
Whether you own a small business or large corporation, Mr. Ward provides insights on the relevance of spending time, money and training in ensuring the value of safety guidelines. Following safety protocols reduces loss of property and most importantly lives.
3 reviews
December 19, 2025
This book approaches a difficult subject with care and clarity. It’s informative without feeling cold, and emotional without being overwhelming. A solid and meaningful read
1 review
August 20, 2023
The book is passionate, intriguing, and powerful. It reminds management that they have a responsibility to protect their workers at all costs. It opens the discussion for the families that are left behind to pick up the pieces and move forward after a tragic incident or fatality of a loved one or family member.

Safety is not an option....It's the law...The Right Thing To Do!!

Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews