Human Factors that Cause Work-Related Accidents

10 Most Common Causes of Accidents at Work

(Human Factors)

• Inattention or Indifference – A lack of attention to the task; preoccupied; not alert; daydreaming.

• Distractions – Cellular phones, interruptions by others, or distractions caused by family troubles, bad news, horseplay while someone performs regular duties, or failure to follow proper routines when performing hazardous tasks.

• Negligence – Failure to observe basic safety rules or instructions or to maintain equipment.

• Anger/Temper – Causes a person to become irrational and to disregard common sense.

• Hasty Decision – Acting before thinking can lead people to make hazardous “shortcuts.”

• Indifference – A lack of attention to the task; not alert; daydreaming.

• Curiosity – Workers do something unexpected to see what will happen.

• Inadequate Instructions – Results in an untrained or improperly trained worker.

• Poor Work Habits – Cluttered floors/work areas, loose clothing, etc.

• Overconfidence – Displayed by behavior that is too cocky, risk-taking, and macho.

• Lack of Planning – Two or more people, each depending on the other to do something, and it doesn’t get done.