The problem of teaching safety to chemical engineering students and the wider issue of teaching safety to all workers in the chemical and process industries is discussed. There is a need to distinguish between training and education and to appreciate the background of the learner with respect to language and prior knowledge. Some matters can only be properly understood when the individual has some industrial experience, and the traditional university method is not well suited to deal with the complex interactions on which safety depends. Methods of alleviating these difficulties are discussed, along with what should be taught, how, to whom and by whom.