Did you ever wonder about the expression "break a leg" that is used to wish someone good luck?  It always struck me as a funny way to express your hopes for someone's good fortune.  An Internet search for the phrase (www.phrases.org.uk) turned up the following:

Theatrical types are well known for their belief in superstitions, or at least for their willingness to make a show of pretending to believe them.  The term 'break a leg' appears to come from the belief that one ought not to utter the words 'good luck' to an actor.  By wishing someone bad luck, it is supposed that the opposite will occur. 'Break a leg' also means, 'make a strenuous effort.'  There are many references to the phrase used that way, which pre-date the earliest theatrical good luck charm meaning.  For example, from The Hammond Times, Indiana, 1942: "Whatever the Army or Navy want, the Continental Roll [and Steel Foundry] will turn out ... or break a leg trying." From the Evening State Journal, Nebraska, 1937: "With all the break-a-leg dancing there are many who still warm to graceful soft shoe stepping." So, it is possible that when an actor is told to 'break a leg', he/she may just be being exhorted to put on an energetic, exciting performance.

The term originates in the American theater in the 20th century and all the earliest references to its use are from US sources.  The earliest citation we can find in print is from as late as 1948, from an edition of the US newspaper, the Charleston Gazette, in May that year.  This is from their 'Ask The Gazette' column:

Q: What are some of the well-known superstitions of the theatre?
A:  Superstitions of the stage are numerous and many are particular to individual actors and actresses.  That it is bad luck to whistle in a dressing room is a widely accepted belief.  Another is that one actor should not wish another good luck before a performance but say instead 'I hope you break a leg.'

Much to my surprise, there was no mention of John Wilkes Booth.  I had always envisioned the phrase coming from Booth's post assassination leap from the balcony in Ford's Theatre.

In our industry today, "break a leg' is probably not the "OSHA Kosher" way we should urge each other on to good luck and good fortune. OSHA inspections have been increasing in frequency. With the Big Dig winding down, OSHA inspectors definitely have more time on their hands and the Cape is a place they enjoy coming to.  As a matter of fact, OSHA now maintains an office on the Cape, and we are hearing more stories about jobsite visits to our customers.  OSHA fines are famous for their severity and expense.  And although we moan and groan about OSHA, their policies are in place for a reason: job site safety. Two ways Shepley is helping our customers stay on top of compliance are: (1) OSHA 10-Hour classes, which we have developed specifically for wood frame construction job sites, and(2) Lull Certification classes. Please contact Deborah MacPhee at 508-862-6200 to sign up for these classes.

We've added a new feature to Shepformation; Dick Hughes, from Excellence in Safety, is writing a monthly column featuring jobsite safety information.  Make sure to check him out.  Instead of "break a leg" why don't we start to "break old habits" and create a safety culture that not only saves money, but also saves lives.