In the workplace there are many ways that an incident can occur. As a business owner with employees, preventing workplace incidents is very important. We never like it when injuries occur, or the employees miss time off from work.
For accidents happen there must be a cause, and to avoid accidents we must remove the cause. Each cause is a result of an unsafe act or unsafe condition. Recognizing the unsafe act or conditions, employers can effectively remove the exposure.
The deadly dozen unsafe acts and conditions are listed below:
Unsafe Acts
- Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.
- Failure to secure or tie down materials to prevent unexpected movement.
- Working or operating equipment too fast.
- Failure to issue warnings or signals as required.
- Using defective tools or equipment.
- Removing guards.
- Improperly using tools or equipment.
- Standing in an unsafe place or assuming an improper posture (as in lifting).
- Servicing moving equipment.
- Riding equipment not designed for passengers.
- Failure to wear the proper personal protective equipment.
Unsafe Conditions
- Lack of proper guards
- Lack of a proper warning system
- Fire and explosion hazards
- Poor housekeeping
- Unexpected movements
- Protruding objects such as nails, wire, or other metals
- Improper clearance of congestion ay aisles or passageways
- Poor placement, storage, or arrangement of materials
- Hazardous tools, equipment, or materials
- Poor lighting, high noise levels
- Hazardous atmospheric conditions
- Improper personal attire