explain what an unsafe act is, and provide two examples. course hero

by Esmeralda Ryan IV 10 min read

What are some examples of unsafe conditions?

Examples of unsafe conditions in an industrial setting include: Unsafe conditions exist all around us, at work and away from work. Snow and ice storms create unsafe driving conditions, lightning storms create unsafe outdoor conditions, and harsh chemicals in enclosed spaces create unsafe breathing conditions.

What is the difference between unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviors?

Unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviors can exist either independently or concurrently. An incident can be the result of one or the other, or it can be the result of a combination of the two. Unsafe behaviors, more than unsafe conditions, are responsible for the majority of occupational injuries and incidents.

Why is it important to recognize the existence of unsafe conditions?

This is because approaches to safety often only address unsafe conditions. Recognizing the existence of unsafe behaviors is equally important, however, because any successful approach to safety must address both. What Are Unsafe Conditions? An unsafe condition is exactly that – a condition in the workplace that is likely to cause injury.

What is the difference between an incident and an unsafe condition?

An incident can be the result of one or the other, or it can be the result of a combination of the two. Unsafe behaviors, more than unsafe conditions, are responsible for the majority of occupational injuries and incidents. Approximately 80-95% of all incidents are triggered by unsafe behavior. Unsafe behaviors also make unsafe conditions worse.

What is unsafe act and example?

Unsafe Act - Performance of a task or other activity that is conducted in a manner that may threaten the health and/or safety of workers. For example: Lack of or improper use of PPE. Failure to tagout/lockout. Operating equipment at unsafe speed.

What is unsafe act and unsafe condition examples?

Unguarded, absence of required guards. Making safety devices inoperative. Defective, sharp, slippery, cracked, etc. Using unsafe equipment, or using equipment unsafely. Unsafely arranged, poor housekeeping, congestion, blocked exits.

What is the definition of an unsafe act?

An unsafe act is when an individual who has both knowledge and control of an existing unsafe condition or action, but choses to perform the action or ignore the condition. Workers generally perform unsafe acts in an effort to save time and/or effort.

What is an example of unsafe?

Some examples of unsafe conditions are: Poor guarding – inadequate or inefficient. Defective Conditions – hand tools, equipment, substances. Poor Layout – work flow, overcrowding and congestion.

What are 5 examples of unsafe conditions?

Common workplace hazards include:Insufficient training.Defective equipment.Lack of warnings about safety hazards.Poor equipment maintenance.Fire hazards.Slippery and/or cluttered floors.Dangerous stairways.Bad lighting.More items...•

Which is an example of unsafe working condition?

Examples of Unsafe Working Conditions in the Workplace: Flooring that has debris, water, or slippery substances that create a hazard. Blocked safety exits. Equipment that is not maintained or not working properly. Failure to have safety guards.

What are the unsafe acts in a workplace?

Lack of training. Operating equipment without training or authorization. Using defective equipment, such as power tools or ladders. Failure to warn others about a safety hazard.

What is the most common unsafe act?

The Most Common Unsafe Acts in the workplace include:Improper Use of Personal Protective Equipment [PPE]Failure to Use PPE - Either Willingly or Through Lack of Proper Care.Use of Defective Equipment.Removal, or Failure to Use, of Safety Devices.Operation of Equipment at Unsafe Speeds.More items...

What is the main cause of unsafe acts?

Overconfidence– Much like complacency, overconfidence can come from experience on the job. It can also come from inexperience. Overconfidence during a work task, familiar or brand new, leads to unsafe acts. Ignoring rules or procedures– Most of the time we all know what the rules or procedures for a work task are.

What are some examples of unsafe conditions?

Examples of unsafe conditions in an industrial setting include: Defective equipment or tools. Inadequate guards. Hazardous air conditions. Overly congested areas. Inadequate warning systems. Fire and explosion hazards.

Why is it important to recognize unsafe behaviors?

Recognizing the existence of unsafe behaviors is equally important, however, because any successful approach to safety must address both.

How many incidents are caused by unsafe behavior?

Approximately 80-95% of all incidents are triggered by unsafe behavior. Unsafe behaviors also make unsafe conditions worse. When snow and ice storms create unsafe driving conditions, these unsafe conditions are even more dangerous when drivers go too fast or do not leave safe stopping distances.

When you notice something that doesn't seem safe, speak up?

In a more open society, it should be much more difficult to conceal unsafe conditions or for them to go unrecognized. When you notice something that doesn’t seem safe, speak up! Whether it’s a condition or a behavior, don’t be afraid to raise the alarm, your concern deserves a response.

Can unsafe conditions exist independently?

Unsafe conditions and unsafe behaviors can exist either independently or concurrently. An incident can be the result of one or the other, or it can be the result of a combination of the two. Unsafe behaviors, more than unsafe conditions, are responsible for the majority of occupational injuries and incidents.

What to do if you have witnessed harassment?

If you have witnessed discrimination or harassment in the workplace, it is important to seek support and help so that this unethical behavior does not continue. Look at your company’s policies around this as these should guide you as to how to report cases of discrimination and harassment.

Is it legal to turn a blind eye to toxic behavior?

Moreover, it is a legal issue also. It can be easy to turn a blind eye to such behavior, but allowing it to continue not only contributes to a toxic culture in the workplace. It can also create an ‘othering’ mentality that excludes and persecutes specific groups of people.

Is it unethical to work in the workplace?

The workplace can be a contentious space, and it is likely that during your working life you will come across some form of unethical behavior. Whether it be being asked to do something you don’t agree with by your boss, or noticing a co-worker doing something they shouldn’t, it can be difficult to know how to handle such situations.

Is abuse of leadership unethical?

An abuse of leadership is not only a form of unethical behavior. It can also have a toxic effect on both the working culture and, potentially, the success of the organization. However, many workers can be reluctant to report such unethical behavior for fear of the repercussions. If you’re witnessing a case of abuse of leadership in your workplace, ...

Is discrimination and harassment a legal issue?

Discrimination and Harassment. Experiencing or witnessing cases of discrimination and harassment in the workplace is not uncommon. When discrimination or harassment occurs in the workplace based on ethnicity, race, disability, gender or age, this is not only a case of unethical behavior. Moreover, it is a legal issue also.

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