A unsafe condition it is an unsatisfactory physical condition that exists in a work environment immediately prior to the occurrence of an accident, and that was significant in initiating the event. It is a hazard that has the potential to cause property damage, injury or death to a worker, if not properly corrected.
Some of these hazards are faulty safety procedures, malfunctioning tools or equipment, or failure to use necessary safety equipment such as glasses and masks. Generally speaking, it is something that existed previously and is different from the normally accepted security conditions.
These conditions exist all around us; For example, being in a car and driving it at high speed creates an unsafe condition in which you are prone to accidents. Although we are vulnerable to such conditions, most neglect them.
When a worker is hired, the company must provide them with all the information and training they need to avoid unsafe conditions.
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Unsafe conditions create risks in the workplace, at home, in outdoor activities, etc..
There are different characteristics depending on the specific context, but in general it can be said that an unsafe condition involves elements that can be harmful to the worker, in the short or long term and in different measures.
These unsafe conditions expose workers to numerous risks. Among the most prominent risks are the following:
These unsafe conditions cause many injuries year after year. Objects on the ground are a common example.
- Anything that can cause slips, trips or falls, such as wiring running on the floor, slippery floors, unevenness on walking surfaces, crowded work areas, unprotected edges, etc..
- Anything that can cause falls, such as working from heights, on ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or any elevated work area.
- Unprotected machinery with moving parts that a worker could accidentally touch.
- Excessive heat or cold temperature.
- High exposure to sunlight / UV rays.
- Loud and constant noise caused by machinery.
This risk due to unsafe conditions occurs when the worker's body is under stress due to the type of work, the working conditions and the position in which he is working..
It is very difficult to detect, since its impact on health is long-term. Short-term exposure can cause muscle aches in the days after exposure, but long-term can lead to serious illness.
For example, poorly adjusted workstations and chairs, frequent lifting of objects, awkward and repetitive movements, having to use too much force frequently, vibrations, etc..
These risks include loose unprotected or separated cables, poorly made electrical connections, missing ground pins, or incorrect wiring, among others..
This type of unsafe condition occurs when you are exposed to some type of chemical preparation, be it solid, liquid or gas.
- Gaseous emissions of acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium.
- Contact with liquids such as cleaning products, paints and acids.
- Exposure to gasoline, solvents, or other flammable materials.
Exposure to injuries or diseases associated with work, or with infected people, animals or plant material with which one has contact.
Among workplaces with these types of unsafe conditions are schools, nurseries, universities, hospitals, laboratories, nursing homes, and outdoor occupations, among others..
The most common risk comes from blood or other body fluids, insect bites, bacteria and viruses, and animal and bird droppings.
Examples of unsafe conditions at work are:
- Congested workplace, not enough space to move and work freely.
- Inadequate atmospheric conditions without suitable security measures in place.
- Tools, machinery and supplies that may be defective.
- Lack of adequate warning systems.
- Bad cleaning.
- Operating a machine without prior training.
- Do not post announcements of Occupational Health and Safety in visible places.
Take the example of a manufacturing plant that relies on moving heavy materials. Forklift operation is part of the daily routine.
At the end of his work shift, a forklift driver informs the supervisor that the brakes on his forklift have stopped working.
The supervisor follows the established procedure and places a red sticker on the steering wheel with a note for maintenance stating that the brakes are not working. The label also means that the other shifts must not use the forklift..
When the next turn comes, there is a collapse with the deliveries of materials. The supervisor for that shift feels pressured and asks a worker to drive the forklift that was previously tagged.
The worker gets on the forklift and sees the red tag. He reads the note, but decides he can test whether the brakes are controllable. The worker starts the forklift and goes to a shelf.
He realizes the brakes are completely dead and turns left to avoid hitting the shelf. This causes it to bump into the closed door of the building's parking lot, making two holes in it when hitting it hard.
This accident was caused by the combination of an unsafe act and an unsafe condition. The unsafe condition was that the forklift was left at the plant with faulty brakes.
The unsafe act refers to an employee knowing that the brakes were faulty and decided to drive the forklift anyway.
The company must have included something in its procedure other than having a tag and a note attached to the forklift to immobilize it. In the end, the forklift was left operational at the plant with faulty brakes..
On the other hand, the employee chose to drive a forklift knowing previously that the brakes were not working properly.
Determining whether the condition or act was the main contributing factor to the accident is difficult. It is extremely important to hold employees accountable for their actions, but this includes supervisors as well..
Digging into the situation that led to the accident, the details reveal that more could have been done to improve conditions that eliminate the risk. In general, conditions are more predictable than acts.
Although it is easier to point out unsafe acts in an accident, it is also necessary to consider the supervisor's responsibility to maintain a safe work environment. You should always check if the conditions could have been improved to avoid an accident.
You cannot discipline an unsafe condition. They simply need to be reviewed to certify that they are safe.
The next accident could be caused by an unsafe condition that could not be seen. Keep in mind that unsafe acts could only be half the story when investigating an accident.
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