Causes of accidents

Definition

What is an accident?
 Causes of accidents
• Causes of accidents are:-
– Unsafe Acts
– Unsafe Conditions

People cause accidents!

 Unplanned Events and
Outcomes
Death

Serious injury
Accident
Unplanned First aid injury
Event Plant/equip Damage

Near hit / miss

Incident
Hazard – Unsafe Act or Condition
 Unsafe Acts
• Standing on top step of step ladders
• Removing guards from machines
• Leaving materials on floor of a corridor
• Blocking a doorway or escape route
• Not wearing correct PPE
• Putting chemicals in unmarked containers
• Using machines or tools without training

Working in Partnership
 Unsafe Conditions

 Unstable or dangerous working platform

 Dangerous machinery
 Materials and trip hazards on floor
 Blocked access routes and exits
 Excessive noise levels, or dust in air etc.
 Overcrowding
 External factors such as weather etc.
 Causes of Unsafe Acts and/or
Conditions
• Lack of:- • Cost:-
– Experience – Time
– Training – Equipment
• Poor Supervision • Personal Pressures:-
• Laziness – Your team playing
tonight?
• Distractions
– Problems at home
• Pressures:-
• Human Errors
– Peers
– Forgetfulness
– Management
 Chain of events

• Lack of Control
 Unsafe Acts
 Unsafe Conditions
 Accident
 Consequences
Costs of Accidents
 Business costs:

 Lost time
 Damaged equipment and materials
 Loss of contracts
 Loss of expertise
 Higher insurance premiums
 Damaged reputation
 Fines, Compensation Claims etc.
 Human Cost of Accidents
• Physical injury or ill health
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Treatment / medication costs
• Temporary or permanent inability to enjoy
pastime activities / hobbies and possible
• Change of Job
• Change of Lifestyle
• Stress to family/friends
 Cost of Accidents

• Ian wasn’t
killed in a
building site
accident
• He just lost
his life…