Unsafe acts in the workplace | Unsafe act vs unsafe condition

Unsafe acts can be defined as any activity by workers that is not in accordance with the established safety standard or practice and that can or is likely to create accidents, risk to oneself or others at work, damage equipment, and cause reputational and financial losses to the employer.

Unsafe conditions are the risks/hazards present at workplace that may lead to human injury or death.

Cause of Accidents

1. UNSAFE CONDITION-Working conditions/environment which are prone to have an accident.
2. UNSAFE ACT-People make the violation of the standard rules & met with an accident.

Accident Analysis

FRANK BIRD’S THEORY OF ACCIDENT

• 88% accidents occurs due to unsafe acts/attitude.
• 10% accidents occurs due to unsafe equipment/conditions.
• 2% accidents occurs due to natural calamities.

Unsafe act and unsafe condition difference

• Oil/Coolant on floor is an UNSAFE CONDITION but walking on or near to oily/contaminated surface by worker is UNSAFE ACT.
• Machine rotating part without safety guard is example of unsafe condition, & operating of that machine is UNSAFE act performed by worker.
• Working at height is an unsafe condition, & not wearing PPEs while working at height is an unsafe act.

Unsafe Act | Examples

• SHORT CUT METHODS – Not following safety rules.
• LAZINESS – Not wearing PPEs/safety appliances.
• HASTINESS – Over feeding & speeding the machines/vehicle.
• ARROGANCE – Smoking in prohibited area, ignorance of safety risk/hazard.
• OVER CONFIDENCE – Performing unauthorized work/operation.
• Working on dangerous equipment.
• Using defective tools.
• Unsafe position- Lifting with back bent, walking or standing under suspended load.

Working on Dangerous Equipment

• Cleaning oiling or adjusting during TPM
• Getting on or off moving vehicle conveyors and elevators
• Working on electrical equipment when it is on. (During Maintenance)
• Welding/repairing equipment containing dangerous material (During  Repair)

Failing to shut off Machines

•Leaving Machines running when finished with them

Unsafe Position

• Standing under suspended load
• Lifting with back bent
• Riding in fork lift

Unsafe Speeds

• Operating machines at unsafe speeds
• Feeding machines too rapidly

Making Safety Devices Inoperative

• Removing guards
• Blocking out two hand control system

Unsafe Unloading

• Lifting too heavy loads
• Piling/Stacking Improperly 
• Overloading

Using defective tool

• Worn out wrenches
• Using hands to feed, adjust or clean  Equipment instead of tools

Unsafe Conditions | Examples

• Uncovered hole or drain or pits.
• Fragile roof or damaged ladders.
• Blocking and obstructing path ways and gang way.
• Contaminated floor- Oil/coolant leakage or spillage on floor.
• Metal chips scattered around the machine/on floor.
• Rotating machine parts without safety guard or defective guard or inadequately guarded.
• Improper/Low lux level (illumination).
• Improper ventilation at workplace-not enough air, contamination of air.
• Unwanted items/tools lying on machine(poor 5S at workplace).
• Unsafe unloading- lifting too heavy loads, overloading.
• Loose wiring on machine or at workplace can lead to electric fire or electric shocks.
• Equipment defects- sharp edges, poorly design, not strong enough, worn out cracked etc.

Hazardous Arrangement

• Unsafely stored material or tools
• Congested work places.
• Narrow blocked stairs, or exits.  Over loaded floors, platforms, vehicles, trolleys

Equipment Defects

• Sharp edges  
• Poorly designed & Slippery
• Not strong enough
• Worn out
• Cracked

Personal protection  

Lack of goggles,  safety shoes, respirators,  gloves, apron, ear plug etc.

Improper Ventilation  

• Not enough air,  
• Contamination of air  
• Too hot or cold air

Improper Illumination

• Not enough light
• Glare

Improper Guarding  

• Unguarded  
• Inadequately guarded,  
• Lack of support to Guard