ACCIDENT

PREVENTION

SAFETY THOUGHT
Preventable
accidents, if not
prevented due to
our negligence, is
nothing short of
a murder .
Dr.S. Radhakrishnan

THE SIMPLEST
MEANING IS THE
PREVENTION OF
ACCIDENTS &
THE LOSSES
THEREAFTER.

What is safety
No

injuries
No accidents
No place for unplanned activity
All activities well defined
Every one knows his job well
Operating excellence
Every one takes pride in doing his job
well.

Safety:

Freedom from
Unacceptable risk of Harm is
safety

Safety:

Hazard:

Source, Situation or Act having

potential to cause an injury

Risk:

Probability of an event (P) x

Consequences (C)

FUNDAMENTALS OF SAFETY

Positive framework
responsibilities.

of

mind

for

safety

Hazard is an inherent part of human existence;

however they are preventable at the first place.
Ensuring integration of OHS requirements at
planning stage
Accidents do not just happen; they are caused.
This is what an organization and an individual
must believe
OHS Management is principally prevention of
unsafe conditions and prevention / control of
unsafe acts (Prevention makes strong
business sense)
(c) 1999 Eqms India (P) Limited, Delhi

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES - SYSTEMS

Engineer / Supervisor
enforce

safety rules, safety work permit system,

exercise close supervision on workmen, ensure
competence and discipline
take immediate corrective action on any unsafe acts
and/or unsafe conditions are noticed/reported
explain in detail the specific hazard and safety
measures in case of jobs being assigned to workmen
and ensure safety
ensure availability and use of appropriate PPE by the
workmen
create a safety work culture among all the workmen
under his control
impart proper and specific safety knowledge and
awareness and rules and regulations among
employees

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES - SYSTEMS

ensure

that all hazards are eliminated, all passages,

stairways, entrances and exits are clear and safe in all
respects
set himself, as an example of excellence in safety
observance for others to emulate
ensure prompt reporting and a thorough investigation of
all accidents and near misses in the prescribed form and
suggest remedial measures to avoid recurrence
ensure regular contact with persons working in isolated
places and ensure their safety and prompt attendance in
case of any mishap
inspect regularly and ensure that all tools, equipment and
machinery are in sound and safe condition
take immediate corrective measure on any lapse on the
observance of safety measures

Safety Excellence
It

occurs only when

supervisors, managers
and executives
demonstrate their value
through actions and
then, being credible,
ask workers to help
improve the system.

ACCIDENT
Unplanned

and unexpected event

giving rise to injury, ill health,
death and damage to property,
damage to environment or any
combination of these.
Reportable accident
Non reportable accident

UNFORESEEN & UNEXPECTED OCCURENCES THAT

INTERRUPT THE REGULAR WORK WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT
CAUSE INJURIES TO PERSONS OR DAMAGES TO PROPERTIES.

ACCIDENTS DO NOT HAPPEN - THEY ARE

CAUSED
1. REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS - MORE THAN 48 HRS.
2. NON REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS - LESS THAN 48
HRS.

ACCIDENT vs. Injury

Accident

is an undesired incident which

may or may not result into injury.
Injury is always a result of some
Accident.
Our focus should be on eliminating
accidents, and in particular to avoid
injuries altogether.
Eliminating accidents 100% may not
be possible.
Eliminating injuries 100% is definitely
achievable.

ACCIDENTS
STATISTICS

ACCIDENTS
STATISTICS

Foundation of a lost time

injury
Deaths -No data
Lost work day cases
-1
{*}
Medical attention cases -10 {*}
First aid cases -100 {*}
Near miss cases
-1000
Unsafe behaviors or conditions
-10,000
{*}has been proved by extensive
research

Most process and

personal
incidents, injuries and
accidents are caused
by
unsafe acts and
behaviors,
& not merely by

76% injuries are only due to unsafe

acts.
20% due to unsafe acts and unsafe
conditions both.
4% are due to unsafe conditions.

Causes of injuries
Unsafe

acts involving

Body position..30%
Tools and equipment...28%
Actions of another...14%
Not using Protective Equipment..12%
Procedures and Housekeeping.12%

Total

from unsafe acts...96%

Total from other causes...4%

Examples
Behavior

Walked down stairs without

using handrail;lost balance and
fell
Behavior and conditions
Walked on water/oil covered
slippery ground, slipped and
fell, broke ankle and hand.
Conditions
Food poisoning at a seminar.

Risk perception with time

Lack

of risk perception / reduction in risk

perception is responsible for accidents
resulting into severe injuries.

Risk

perception reduces with time if there

are no accidents/injuries.

Risk

perception is Safety Attitude.

Safety

norms are followed only if the risk is

perceived. Education/information is
important.

This

has to be developed and maintained in

the management as well as the employees.

Risk Perception

Serious
accident/incid
ent
Rules and
safeguards devised
here may be
violated, when risk
perceptions decay
with passage of
time

Time

COMMON ORGANIZATIONAL
PROBLEMS WHICH IMPEDE SAFETY

Management

interpretation that safety can be

hired.
Tolerance
Priority

of unsafe behavior by management.

to business over safety.

Enforcement

of rules (different standards)

Responsibility/Accountability

is not defined

clearly/ demonstrated pro-actively

Champions

in safety initiatives lose interest.

Behavior improvement model

Every
No

one likes to be appreciated.

one has all the good things.

Every

one has something good or bad.

It

is very difficult to change behavior of

people. It is one of the most difficult jobs.

To

change the behavior of people is a

challenge.

This

can be achieved slowly but surely.

Organized,

concerted and conscious efforts

from all management personnel is
required.

Look for safe behavior

Body

position, eyes on work, eyes on path,

lifting practice, holding practice,

Work

condition, selection of tools, use of

tools , labeling, proper tags, permits well
prepared, work area free of trip, slip
hazards, signs, barricading, lighting,
ventilation, fall protection,

PPE

condition, use of eye/face protection,

helmet, respirators, N2 blanketing, earthing.

Cause of Accident
Unsafe

Conditions

Unsafe

Actions

Personal

Causes

Proximate

Causes

Green Triangle
For Safety

HEINRICH THEORY
Analysis

of 75000

accidents
98%
were
preventable
10 % were due to
unsafe
physical
and
mechanical
conditions
88% were due to
unsafe acts

HEINRICH ANALYSIS
OF ACCIDENTS
1

ACCIDENT

29

NEAR ACCIDENT

300

INCEDENTS

HEINRICH ACCIDENT
PREVENTION

Ancestry &
Social
environment

Fault of
persons

Unsafe act
(or) unsafe
condition

Accident

Injury

UNSAFE CONDITIONS
Unsafe storage of materials
Defective Machines & Tools
Unsafe floors & passage
Unsafe Electrical wiring & fittings
Unsafe Lifting & Transport Machines
Unsafe Pressure Vessels
Working on Heights
Improper Personal Protective
Equipments
Unsafe House Keeping
Unsafe Waste disposal

UNSAFE ACTIONS

Disregard to Safety Rules &

Procedures
Working without authority
Unsafe speed of action
Making Safety Devices inoperative
Sleeping in the work place
Playing & Teasing in the work place
Quarreling with the co-workers &
supervisors
Smoking in work place
Eating in work place
Intoxication with Alcohol or Drugs

UNSAFE ACTIONS

Disregard to Hygiene & Cleanliness

Improper work Dress
Failure to use Personal Protective
Equipments
Using improper tools
Using tools improperly
Joy Ride on material handling machines
Working on roofs without Safety
Equipments
Improper handling of materials & machines
Unsafe use of electrical equipments & tools
Cleaning & Lubricating machines in motion

PERSONAL FACTORS

1. Good Physical condition

( Good Food, Sleep & Habits )
2. Good Mental condition
( Correct thinking, avoid anger,
envy, greed & worry )
3. Good Social Relationship
( Good Friends, Social Service etc.)

WHY TO PREVENT
ACCIDENTS?
Legal

responsibility
Moral responsibility
Loss of production
Avoid bad publicity
Economic losses

YOUR SAFETY - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

USE YOUR PPE

YOUR HANDS ARE GODS GIFT

DO NOT LOSE THEM

2002 Eqms

EQMS India (P) Limited, Delhi.

DONT LET IT HAPPEN TO YOU

2002 Eqms

EQMS India (P) Limited, Delhi.

COST OF ACCIDENT
The

monetary
losses
associated
with
an
accident
or
incident.
Direct cost
Indirect costs.

Cost of Accidents:
The Iceberg Effect
On average, the indirect
costs of accidents
exceed the direct
costs by a 4:1 ratio

DIRECT COST
Medical

cost
Compensation
cost

INDIRECT COST
Building

Damage
Tool and equipment damage
Product and material damage
Production delays and interruptions
Legal expenses
Expenditure on Emergency supplies
Interim equipment rental

INDIRECT COST
Investigation

time
Wages paid for lost time
Cost of hiring and/or training
replacements
Overtime
Extra supervisory time
Decreased output of injured worker
Loss of business and goodwill

Cost of the ACCIDENT

DIRECT COST

INDIRECT COST

SUFFERINGS

Medical Expense

Loss of production

Physical Suffering

Compensation

Damage to Machines

Mental Suffering

Unproductive wage

Loss of Materials

Family Suffering

-------------

Legal Expense

--------------

-------------

Loss of Morale

--------------

-------------

Loss of Reputation

--------------

20 %

80 %

Cannot be
Compensated

ARM SLEEVE

GLOVES

SAFETY SHOES

GOGGLES

APRON

CANISTER MASK

EAR PLUG

DUST MASK

HELMET

NITRILE GLOVES

DUST MASK

FACE SHIELD

ACCIDENT PREVENTION
PREREQUISITES

Strong commitment from top

management.
Good safety program.
Established safety culture.
Safety accountability in place

ACCIDENT PREVENTION
BENEFITS

Reduced injury claims

Improved employee job satisfaction
Lower insurance premiums
Improved quality

ACCIDENT PREVENTION
THREE

BASIC STEPS

Hazard identification
Elimination of unsafe act
Elimination of unsafe condition

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION
Checklist
Employee

observation
Safety audit

UNSAFE ACT
The

actions of a person in a
manner which vary from the
accepted
or
legislated
safe
practice and create a hazard to
either
themselves,
another
person, or equipment.

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE ACT

UNSAFE CONDITION
A

condition in which something

exists that varies from a normal
accepted safe condition and, if
not corrected, could cause injury,
death, or property damage.

UNSAFE CONDITION

UNSAFE CONDITION

ELIMINATE UNSAFE ACT

Personal

adjustments
Education and Training
Supervision
Discipline

ELIMINATE UNSAFE
CONDITION
Design
Guarding

/ Fencing
Control measures or isolation
Maintaining
safe
working
condition of
plant /
tool /
machine / work environment

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
All

injuries

are
preventable.

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
Management

has
the
responsibility
for
preventing
personal
injuries.

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
It

is
to

possible
safeguard
all operating
exposures
that
may
result
in
injuries.

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
It

necessary
train all
work safely.

is
to
to

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
It

is
good
business
to
prevent
personal
injuries on the
job and off the
job.

SAFETY
PHILOSOPHY
Safety

is a
condition of
employment.

Accident
Investigation

WHAT IS AN ACCIDENT?
What is an accident?
o
o

Any unexpected event

Some may even be good

Does an accident always involve an

injury?
Does an injury always involve an
accident?

What Is An Accident?

Accidents
Accident
o

Any unplanned event that results in

Personal injury
Property damage

Accidents
Usual causes
o

Failure of people, equipment, supplies, or

surroundings to behave or react as
expected

WHY INVESTIGATE?
Why investigate?
o

To PREVENT injuries

Investigations should not be witch

hunts
If results show need for discipline, fine
But.....
o That is not the purpose
o

INVESTIGATIONS
Include non injury accidents incidents
o
o

Proactive
Preventative

Investigating only injuries

o

Reactive

INJURY PYRAMID
Fatality
Serious
Recordable

Recordable
1st Aid Cases
Non-injury Accidents

Incident Investigation Plan

Establish parameters
Be aware of other requirements
o

ADA, EEO, Union, etc.

Establish procedures
Develop forms
Train employees

First Report
The First Report of Injury
sent to Workers
Compensation Company is
NEITHER an accident report
NOR an investigation.

Incident Report
Write an incident report
o

As soon as possible

Start with a supervisors report based

on information provided by employees
o

Employee said......

Injury Potential
Investigate based on POTENTIAL
FOR INJURY
The greater the potential, the more
thorough the investigation

The Investigation
Avoid a cold trail

The Investigation
Be methodical
Gather as much information as
possible
o

Throw out irrelevant information during the

analysis step

The Investigation
Beware of preconceived conclusions
Beware of jumping the gun
o

Do not offer solutions before you find the

basic cause

The Investigation

ASK QUESTIONS
When you get an answer, ask WHY
Then ask WHY again
And AGAIN
And who?, what?, and ...why?

Basic
Causes

Indirect
Causes
Direct
Causes

Management Safety Policies & Decisions

Personal Factors Environmental Factors

Unsafe Act

Unsafe Condition

Unplanned Release of Energy

and/or Hazardous Material

Incident

The Investigation
Investigate the scene
o
o
o
o

Take measurements
Take pictures
Evaluate equipment
Be imaginative

The Investigation
Look for
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Guards off
Lack of PPE
Housekeeping issues
Poor work practices
Faulty equipment
Inadequate training
Poorly written procedures
Etc.

The 4 Ps

People
Position
Parts
Paper

Interviews

Interview employee involved

Interview witnesses
Interview other employees in area
Look for similar incidents

Interviews
Explain the purpose of the investigation
o

Accident prevention

Put at ease
Let speak freely
Take notes without distracting
Only use a tape recorder with the
persons knowledge and consent.
Interview as soon as possible

Analysis Techniques

Change analysis
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
Event and Causal Factors Analysis
Multi linear Events Sequencing (MES)
Project Evaluation Tree (PET)
Combination

Report of Investigation
1. Background
information
2. Detailed account
of the incident
3. Resolution
4. Corrective
actions

RESOLUTION
Discuss ways of preventing future
incidents
Solicit ideas from employees & others
Be creative
Make recommendations

Corrective Actions
Corrective actions
o

Recommendations that are adopted

Inform and train employees and

supervisors

Follow-Up
Involve supervisors & employees
Are solutions:
o
o

Used?
Effective?

Solicit feedback

Trend Analysis
Evaluate for incident, accident and
injury trends in order to focus efforts
Use 300 forms, incident & accident
reports, first aid logs, inspection
reports, etc.
Analyze by entity, facility, time, job, etc.
Do at least a 3 year comparison

Resource
Ask for help from your workers
compensation carrier