Why is it so important to protect your own security and that of others in a workplace?

You have a moral obligation to protect your fellow workers in the workplace.  Dangerous work conditions should be reported immediately before injury or loss of life occurs.  Of course protecting your own security is self-preservation.
Dangerous work condiotions should be reported to the Occupational Safety and Heatlth Administration.  They will protect your identity and will advise you of your rights to be free of retaliation from your employer.  Certain dangerous industries have no minimum employee requirement and you may also find out you are protected even if your employer only has a few employees.  Again, go to O.S.H.A before tragedy strikes.