03 Mar The Deadly Dozen

The Deadly Dozen

Workplace incidents usually involve one or more contributing factors. Unsafe actions, unsafe conditions, inadequate planning, equipment problems, or failures in established procedures can create situations in which someone may be injured.

Recognizing hazards before work begins—and correcting them when they develop—is an important part of preventing incidents. The following “Deadly Dozen” provides examples of unsafe acts and conditions employees should learn to recognize and avoid.

Guide for Discussion

Unsafe Acts

1. Unauthorized operation – Operating vehicles, machinery, or equipment without proper authorization or training.
2. Failure to secure materials – Failing to secure, block, chock, or tie down materials to prevent unexpected movement.
3. Working too fast – Rushing or operating equipment at an unsafe speed.
4. Failure to communicate – Failing to provide required warnings, signals, or other communication before performing work.
5. Using defective equipment – Using damaged, defective, or improperly maintained tools or equipment.
6. Removing or bypassing guards – Removing, defeating, or bypassing machine guards, interlocks, or other safety devices.
7. Improper use of tools or equipment – Using equipment for purposes for which it was not designed or contrary to manufacturer instructions.
8. Unsafe position or posture – Placing yourself in a line-of-fire, pinch-point, struck-by, caught-between, or other hazardous position, or using unsafe lifting techniques.
9. Servicing energized or moving equipment – Cleaning, adjusting, repairing, or servicing equipment without properly controlling hazardous energy.
10. Unauthorized riding – Riding on forklifts, equipment, vehicles, or machinery not designed to carry passengers.
11. Horseplay – Engaging in practical jokes, distracting behavior, fighting, or other activities that create unnecessary hazards.
12. Failure to use required PPE – Failing to wear, inspect, or properly use the personal protective equipment required for the task.

Unsafe Conditions

1. Missing or inadequate guards – Machinery, equipment, openings, or elevated areas without required guarding or protection.
2. Inadequate warning systems – Missing, damaged, or ineffective signs, alarms, barricades, signals, or warning devices.
3. Fire and explosion hazards – Uncontrolled ignition sources, improperly stored flammable materials, combustible dust, or other fire hazards.
4. Poor housekeeping – Debris, spills, clutter, cords, hoses, or other slip, trip, and fall hazards.
5. Unexpected movement – Unsecured equipment, materials, loads, or stored energy capable of shifting, rolling, falling, or moving unexpectedly.
6. Protruding or sharp objects – Exposed nails, wire, reinforcing steel, sharp edges, or other objects capable of causing injury.
7. Congested aisles and passageways – Blocked exits, inadequate clearance, or materials obstructing normal travel routes.
8. Improper material storage – Unstable stacking, overloaded shelving, improperly secured materials, or incompatible materials stored together.
9. Hazardous or defective equipment and materials – Damaged tools, unsafe machinery, defective electrical equipment, or improperly handled hazardous materials.
10. Poor lighting or excessive noise – Conditions that interfere with visibility, communication, warning signals, or safe performance of work.
11. Hazardous atmospheric conditions – Oxygen deficiency, toxic gases or vapors, airborne contaminants, or flammable atmospheres.
12. Improper clothing or PPE conditions – Loose clothing, jewelry, unsecured hair, damaged PPE, or clothing unsuitable for the work environment.

What Should You Do?

When you identify an unsafe act or condition:

• Correct the hazard immediately if you are authorized and can do so safely.
• Warn affected employees and keep others away when necessary.
• Stop work when an immediate or serious hazard exists.
• Report unsafe conditions, defective equipment, and unsafe practices to your supervisor.
• Do not remove barricades, guards, warning devices, or other controls without authorization.
• Reassess the work whenever conditions change.

Remember

Recognizing hazards is the first step toward controlling them. Do not walk past an unsafe condition or participate in an unsafe act simply because “nothing has happened before.”

Identify the hazard, correct or control it, and report it when necessary. Safe work depends on recognizing what can go wrong before someone gets hurt.