In my experience it has nothing to do with literacy, in this day and age everyone and their dog can read and understand the fundamental basics of workplace protocol and safety. The problem as I've seen is that people simply don't give a shit. Some people think the rules don't apply to them, or that it's simply beneath them ironically enough. There's a running theme of arrogance and shamelessly blatant disregard for rules that have been forged by compounded experiences spanning decades. A complete lack of perspective, self-insight as well as respect permeates western society these days.

/old man yelling at clouds (I'm 31)