Most problems with steroids occur with lack of knowledge, not knowing correct dosage and kind of steroid used. Following incorrect and non sterile injection procedures, not even knowing what the hell they are doing. When taking any drug you should know as much as you can about it, that includes all drugs that have any possibility of side effects or future damage to your body, not just steroids.
so are steriods actually fairly safe?
They aren't safe of you consider the legal aspects, getting arrested and convicted is a big "danger"
Dose makes the poison, depends on the exact substance, depends on the person, depends on your liver and blood pressure, depends on...
They aren't exactly methampetamine or crack cocaine, most (I'd say ALL ) pro bodybuilders take them regulary and they aren't dropping like flyes, Millions of doses have been administered, and very few (if any) fatalities have occured.
www.mesomorphosis.com is a good study guide