Basic Accident Causation Theory

UNSAFE ACTS/CONDITIONS

Dr. Neil B. Dayan, MBA, LL.B.

Accredited OSH Consultant
 Course Introduction
The accident/incident theory of accident causation is an
extension of the human factors theory. The human factors
theory of accident causation attributes accidents to a
chain of events ultimately caused by human error.

The domino theory of accident causation was one of the

earliest developed. The theory posits that injuries result
from a series of factors, one of which is an accident.

This course will help the participants to understand the

concepts of “Basic Accident Causation Theory” and why
accidents happened in the construction site.
Course Objectives:
✓ Define what is a “Work System” and know its
independent variables;
✓ Define accident, unsafe act and unsafe
conditions;
✓ Identify some types of accident in the
construction;
✓ Discuss Basic Accident Causation Theory
(Domino Theory of Accident)
✓ Enumerate Accident Prevention Methods in the
Workplace
The Work System
• The work is a system – more than a collection
of independent variables.

• When an accident happens, there is a sound

reason to believe that an accident is a
breakdown in a system rather than a fault in
any variable, example, the individual.
The Work System
• Accidents occur within systems, and the worker/s
is part of a work system.
• Obviously if a person went to work, sat in a room
and did nothing, that person would have little
chance of being involved in an accident.

• In carrying out the work function the person has

demands placed on his/her physical and
psychological make-up.
 Background :
The WORK SYSTEM

People

Environment Equipment

Materials
 Accident Theory
People

Environment Equipment

Materials
Accident
An occurrence or event that is unexpected,
unforeseen, unplanned and unwanted that
may or may not cause damage, injury,
fatality, loss or work stoppage.
Work Accident - shall mean an unplanned or unexpected
occurrence, that may or may not result in personal injury,
property damage, work stoppage or interference or any
combination thereof which arises out of and in the course of
employment.” Occupational Safety and Health Standards Rule 1002 (8)
Accident versus Incident
According to US-OSHA

An “Accident” is defined as an unplanned event

that results in personal injury or property
damage.

An Incident is defined as an unplanned event

that does not result in personal injury but may
result in property damage or is worthy of
recording. Basically, by definition, all accidents are incidents,
but not all incidents are accidents.
 Primary Causes of Accidents
88%
❑ Unsafe Act
Accident

❑ Unsafe Condition 10%

The human action
that departs from a
https://images.app.goo.gl/AdDvKqCmfaetn5uY7

standard or written job

procedure or common
practice, safety rules,
regulations or
instructions.
https://images.app.goo.gl/U1ugaxFBRQX7KE9XA
The physical or chemical
property of a material,
machine or the environment
which could result in injury
to a person, damage or
destruction to property or
other forms of losses.
 • 2% are not
preventable.
INCIDENT • Mostly from
natural calamities.

Typhoons Earthquakes Floods

Struck against rigid structure
Struck by falling object
Caught in, on or between
Fall on same level
Fall in different level
Electrocution
Fire
Lack of Basic Immediate
Incident Loss
Control Causes Causes

Domino Theory by H.W. Heinrich is only one of a series of factors,

each of which depends on a previous factor in the following manner:

1. Accident causes an injury.

2. Individual’s negligent act or omission, or a faulty machine, causes
an accident.
3. Personal shortcomings cause negligent acts or omissions.
4. Hereditary and environment cause personal shortcomings.
In summary:

✓ Better understanding of the Basic Accident Theory is a

key to accident prevention in the construction
workplace.

✓ Appropriate prevention techniques and control

measures like engineering, administrative and PPE
should be strictly implemented.

✓ Finally, Accidents can be prevented by correcting the

potential causes before the accident happens.
End of Module.