Unsafe Action and Unsafe Condition in Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) has always been a key aspect of the working e
nvironment. Meanwhile, to emphasise its purpose, Indonesia has determined to use the
word safety before health in the term Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (K3), which is
translated to Occupational Safety and Health. Nevertheless, while OHS is a key aspect, a com
pany can avoid several risks that could occur. The possibility includes property damage, finan
cial losses, disruption of a business or even loss of life. In addition, a company can maintain
not only the safety but also the welfare of its workers.

Presently, there are two causes of work accidents: unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Unsafe
acts are associated with the workers’ behavior. However, unsafe conditions are the result of
either inadequate or beyond the control of workers. Further explanation of unsafe action an
d unsafe condition as follows:

1. Unsafe Action
Unsafe action is the behavior or action of workers that leads to danger or a risk of wo
rk accidents. For instance, carelessness, non-compliance with standard operating procedures
(SOP), or a lack of awareness due to any potential hazards that were supposedly anticipated.
Below are examples of unsafe action behavior:
A. Distraction at work
While intense focus is needed, any carelessness can disturb workers from their duties and in
crease the risk of work accidents.
D. Incompetent human resources
Before conducting any work, it is essential to provide the authorised workers with sufficient
knowledge and skills according to the law.
C. Littering
Dumping waste improperly creates unsafe working conditions, such as blocked evacuation ro
utes, the spread diseases and fire hazards.
D. Violation of SOP
Despite guidelines and policies available, failure to comply with SOP increases the risk of
errors at work resulting delays, accidents or injuries.
 2. Unsafe Condition

An unsafe condition involves a physical condition at the workplace that may cause work acci
dents or injuries. Unsafe conditions encompass wear and tear as well as damaged equipmen
t, unsafe layouts, and the exposure of any hazardous substances. The examples of unsafe co
ndition behavior are as follows:
A. Defective equipment or machinery
Overused equipment or machines prevent workers from contributing their best at work.
Prioritising productivity over safety will eventually bring more harm to the company. Such as
putting people at risk, slowing down productivity, and amplifying rejected goods.
B. Excessive working hours
Based on early NSC fatigue reports in 2024, 80% of workers have more than one fatigue risk
factor. More than 37% are deprived of sleep. Consequently, there would be at least 13% of
additional workplace injuries.

Reference: https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/fatigue/fatigue-reports

C. Poor supervision

A mishap of supervision promotes disobedience and negligence in following a consistent

application of safe work procedures. This deliberate action may initiate a crime due to
endangering the whole workplace and neighbourhood.

D. Unseen workplace hazard

Workplace policies that are neither facilitated nor updated in accordance with national safet
y standards can become insidious threats to the owner. A reported incident by the workers
required an accountable demonstration of commitment to avoid an unnecessary, bigger
problem.

It plays a pivotal role for the company to identify and address unsafe actions and unsafe con
ditions to create a safer and more comfortable work environment. Through training, supervi
sion, and system improvements, the risk of work accidents can be minimised and workers’ sa
fety maintained.