November 2009 Safety Topic:A Hazard vs. an Accident
October 30th, 2009 by
As you are working do you know the difference between a hazard and an accident?
A Hazard is defined as a condition or changing set of circumstance that presents a potential for injury, illness or property damage. A Hazard is the potential or inherent characteristic of an activity, condition, or circumstance which can produce adverse or harmful consequences.
An Accident is defined as an unfortunate event often the result of carelessness or ignorance. An Accident is an unforeseen and unplanned event or circumstance usually resulting in an unfavorable outcome.
As you can see in the definitions there are some key words: Unplanned; Unforeseen; Unfortunate; Unfavorable and most importantly the word: Potential.
The only way an accident is going to happen is there has to be a hazard or pure carelessness of the driver. Daily routines can become mundane and robotic. This is when we start taking things for granted. Once you start taking things for granted you begin to take shortcuts. These shortcuts lead to doing your work unsafely. Complacency and taking things for granted are causes of a large number of work injuries each year. As you go through your daily routines you need to be aware of hazards and you need to be able to recognize them. Remember recognizing hazards and doing something about is everyone’s responsibility. Inform your manager or supervisor of any hazard you see.
So while you are at work you should be asking yourself these simple questions:
Ø Do I have the right shoes on today?
Ø Are my shoes in good repair?
Ø Is my work area safe?
Ø Has anything changed for your previous shift?
Ø Is there a safer way for me to accomplish my task?
Ø Am I taking a shortcut because the driveway is busy?
Everyday you need to make the right choices while you are at work. One wrong choice can lead to an accident.
BE SAFE!!!