DEFINITION OF ACCIDENT

MODULE 3 BASIC OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY

1. INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES

On completion of this nodule you must:

1. Define the term ‘accident’.

2. List s basic examples of unsafe acts,

3. List 5 unsafe conditions in the work place.

4. Identify to whom a security officer must report unsafe acts and conditions he has observed.

2. AIM

The aim of this module is to let the student have the basic understanding of the causes of accidents and what steps to take in order to prevent them

3. DEFINITION OF ACCIDENT

An accident can be defined as an undesirable event often caused by unsafe acts and conditions, it can damage property and injure personnel,

 Accidents are the result of lack of control.

 Accidents don’t just happen.

 It is direct result of a person acting in an unsafe manner

 The result of an unsafe condition that has been left unattended.

4. FIVE (5) BASIC CAUSES OF AN ACCIDENT

 Lack of knowledge,

 Physical or mental defect,

 Inadequate work standard,

 Improper attitude,

 Unsafe conditions

5. UNSAFE ACTS:

Is when a worker works in an improper manner or fails to adhere to lay down standards? These actions can result in an accident, Remember an accident need not occur for an action to be seen as an unsafe act.

 Working at unsafe speed—example driving a forklift at a high speed inside the workshop.

 Failure to secure machinery and materials.

 Rendering safety devices inoperative.

 Arranging items in an unsafe manner,

 Fooling or playing on the shop floor

 Teasing each other

 Abusing tools and equipment

6. UNSAFE CONDITIONS

An unsafe condition can be defined as any condition that has potential to cause an accident.

Some examples of unsafe conditions,

 Unsafe construction.

 Lack of guards protective covers for machines,

 Uneven or slippery floors.

 Poorly lit up areas.

 Unsafe storage of hazardous substances.

 Committing unsafe acts.

 Creating unsafe conditions.

7. REPORT UNSAFE ACTS AND CONDITIONS

Report to supervisor. If no supervisor is present make an entry in the Occurrence Book.
Make sure that the entry has been brought to management attention.