Effective Workplace Accident Prevention Measures

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 in Business Administration and Innovation Management

Definition and Principles of Accident Prevention

What is Prevention?

Prevention is a means of control intended to avoid accidents and their consequences.

General Principles of Accident Prevention

Accident prevention is a discipline based on fundamental principles that constitute the knowledge and techniques to eliminate workplace accidents and occupational diseases. The principles are three:

  1. The interest and active participation of all workers, from the highest manager of an undertaking to the lowest level of workers.
  2. Knowing the causes of accidents.
  3. Taking corrective measures to control and eliminate the indicated causes.

Shared Responsibility in Accident Prevention

Accident prevention is a shared responsibility among everyone working in a company: Management, Supervisors, and Workers.

Management Responsibilities

Management is responsible for:

  1. Providing workplaces that are healthy and free of hazards (physical, chemical, and biological).
  2. Providing safe equipment and tools.
  3. Establishing safety standards and rules for various operations.
  4. Organizing safety programs.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors are responsible for:

  1. Keeping the workplace, equipment, and tools in good condition for operation and safety.
  2. Teaching their staff the correct methods of work, rules, and regulations for security at various stages of operation.
  3. Insisting on compliance with safety rules at work.

Worker Responsibilities

Workers have the responsibility to:

  1. Learn and apply safety rules and regulations according to their work.
  2. Ensure their own safety and that of their colleagues against workplace accidents.
  3. Inform their immediate supervisor or any health and safety committee member about unsafe conditions and situations in the workplace, especially when these situations cannot be corrected by the worker themselves.

Worker’s Role in Preventing Accidents

Since many accidents are caused by unsafe acts, the best way to prevent them is to eliminate these risks.

Controlling Unsafe Acts

  1. Think before you act: This is the most important rule, as most accidents result from acting unsafely.
  2. Ask if unsure: If you do not know the correct way to execute any work, you must ask the immediate supervisor or someone experienced in the correct process.
  3. Maintain Alertness: Inattention or distraction is one of the most common causes of accidents.
  4. Maintain Composure: Losing serenity increases the likelihood of having accidents.
  5. Learn and Apply Safety Rules: Understand the safety rules applicable to operations, as these have been established for the self-protection of workers.
  6. Avoid Horseplay: The worksite is not suitable for childish amusements or practical jokes.
  7. Use Your Safety Equipment: Always utilize provided personal protective equipment.
  8. No Smoking: Do not smoke in the workplace, as this poses a fire or explosion hazard.

Controlling Unsafe Conditions

If a worker can correct an unsafe condition, they must do so immediately. If it cannot be corrected at the time, they must inform the supervisor or a member of the safety and occupational health committee.

General Prevention Strategies

  1. Establish standards and procedures appropriate to the work execution.
  2. Ensure proper design and maintenance of structures, facilities, machinery, equipment, and tools.
  3. Eliminate risky practices.
  4. Conduct risk analysis for jobs.
  5. Implement housekeeping campaigns.
  6. Provide training and ensure staff motivation.
  7. Control traffic within the workplace.
  8. Mandate the use of personal protection equipment (PPE).

Implementing Control Measures

The Role of Control

Control involves verifying whether workers and supervisors are following safety objectives and policies. A successful safety program relies on the efficiency with which the safety manager monitors the difference between what should be done and what is actually being done. The difference between planned and actual results should be analyzed quickly to implement corrective measures.

Specific Control Measures

  1. Investigate and analyze accidents.
  2. Conduct inspections for hazard recognition.
  3. Perform risk analysis in the workplace.
  4. Evaluate performance statistically (e.g., frequency index).