Approximately 80 out of every 100 accidents are directly attributable to the person involved in the incident. In fact, unsafe work behavior causes four times as many accidents as unsafe work conditions.
Workplace accidents occur for many reasons. After an accident, people tend to look for someone or something to blame rather than identifying the root cause. Below are some of the unsafe workplace behaviors that can lead to accidents. As you read them, ask yourself whether you have ever been guilty of any of these. It may not have resulted in an accident the first time, but you might not be so lucky in the future.
- Taking Shortcuts: It’s only natural to look for ways to do our jobs faster and more efficiently. But do these time savers come at the expense of your own safety, or that of other workers? Shortcuts that reduce your job safety are not shortcuts at all, but an increased risk of injury.
- Being Over Confident: Confidence is never a bad thing. But too much confidence in one’s work ability can lead to improper procedures, tool mishandling, etc. which could lead to an accident.
- Beginning a Task with Incomplete Instructions: To perform a job safely and correctly you need complete information. Never be shy about asking for further explanations about work procedures and safety precautions. The only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.
- Poor Housekeeping: When clients, managers or safety professionals walk through your workplace, cleanliness is usually an accurate indicator of everyone’s attitude about quality, production and safety. Poor housekeeping creates hazards of all types. A well maintained area sets a standard for others to follow. Good housekeeping involves both pride and safety.
- Ignoring Safety Procedures: Purposely ignoring known safety procedures can endanger not only you but your co-workers too. Being indifferent about safety is a death wish.
- Mental Distractions: Letting your personal life keep you from focusing on your work is a hazardous situation. Dropping your mental awareness can pull your focus away from safe work procedures.
- Failure to Plan: Hurriedly starting a task, or not thoroughly thinking through the process can put you in harm’s way. As the old saying goes “People Don’t Plan to Fail, They Fail to Plan!”
