safety comes first

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that keeping people free from harm matters more than speed, cost, or convenience.

   Grammar: Stands alone as a complete statement, often at the start or end of a sentence about work or travel.

   Patterns

   • safety comes first in something
   • remember that safety comes first

   The foreman told the new crew that safety comes first, so no one rushes the job.

   On the sign above the pool it says safety comes first, and children must be watched at all times.

   We may lose an hour, but safety comes first.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to introduce a rule or instruction whose main purpose is to prevent accidents or injury.

   Grammar: Often followed by a comma and then the actual rule, as in 'Safety comes first, so wear a helmet.'

   Patterns

   • safety comes first, so ...
   • safety comes first: do something

   Safety comes first: check the brakes before you ride.

   Safety comes first, so please keep the aisle clear at all times.

Common combinations

safety comes first in the workplace

In the workplace, safety comes first, even when deadlines are tight.

always remember that safety comes first

Always remember that safety comes first when you handle chemicals.

a safety-first approach

The airline takes a safety-first approach to every flight.

put safety first

Our manager asks us to put safety first on every shift.

safety first, then speed

The coach's rule is safety first, then speed.

Synonyms and how they differ

safety first

A shorter version of the same idea, very common on signs and posters; 'safety comes first' sounds more like a full spoken statement.

better safe than sorry

This stresses avoiding regret rather than putting safety above everything, so it fits advice about a single risky choice.

Word family

safety noun

the state of being protected from danger or harm

safe adjective

not likely to cause or suffer harm

safely adverb

in a way that avoids danger or harm

Commonly confused: safety comes first or safety first?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “safety comes first”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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