Unsafe Acts And Unsafe Conditions

What’s the distinction between the two types of causes? If a machine that should be equipped with a guard and isn’t, that’s an unsafe condition. If the machine has a guard, but the operator bypasses it, that’s an unsafe act. It has been concluded by experts who analyze accidents and statistics that unsafe acts are responsible for a far greater percentage of the total accidents.

Unsafe Acts:

? Unauthorized operation or use of equipment.

? Using defective tools or equipment, or using them in an improper manner.

? Operating tools or equipment at an unsafe speed.

? Poor housekeeping.

? Removing or bypassing safety devices.

? Riding hazardous moving equipment.

? Failure to warn or signal as required.

? Standing in an unsafe place or taking an unsafe posture.

? Indulging in horseplay, or distracting or startling other employees.

? Failure to wear personal protective equipment. (Very Important!!!)

The only good thing about unsafe acts is that, for the most part, they are in your power. You can make sure you never bypass a machine guard, fail to wear your safety glasses, or hearing protectors. You can even have some effect on the potential unsafe acts of others. By refusing to engage in horseplay, or by reminding a co-worker of a safety rule that is seemingly ignored

Unsafe Conditions:

? Lack of adequate guards or safety devices.

? Lack of adequate warning system.

? Fire and explosion hazards.

? Improper or inadequate personal protection clothing or equipment.

? Poor ventilation.

? Protruding object hazards.

? Close clearance and congestion hazards.

? Hazardous arrangement of workstations and storage.

? Inadequate illumination or intense noise.

? Defective tools and equipment.

You may say there’s nothing you can do about this kind of threat to health and safety. But there is. Return unsafe tools, tag unsafe equipment, and make sure maintenance is alerted. Report other unsafe conditions you see to your Safety Representative, or your Supervisor. And pass along your ideas about how such conditions might be corrected. Many of the best safety ideas come from the men and women closest to the operation.