Unsafe Acts versus Unsafe Conditions

Accidents are caused by either an unsafe act or an unsafe condition – do you know the difference?

Accidents are caused by either an unsafe act, an unsafe condition or a combination of both. Identifying these are an important part of reducing risks in the workplace. Here’s how to determine whether it’s an unsafe act or an unsafe condition:

While identifying unsafe acts and conditions can be done simply by observation, we also have procedures in place like a PPE Assessment, Job Hazard Analysis and weekly housekeeping walks that formally identify and address hazards in the workplace.

If you’ve observed unsafe acts or conditions, please report them to your supervisor or safety representative. Identifying these hazards is the first step to correcting them. And, if you want to take it one step further – complete a near miss report or create a poka yoke to get the word out to teams across the Company and share best practices!

To submit a near miss report or poka yoke, please see your division’s safety representative or contact Bill Schuster, Regional Safety, Health and Environmental Manager, at Bill.Schuster@olysteel.com.