Identifying and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE TWO: HAZARD CATEGORIES

Four Cause Categories (MEEE)

1. Safety Management System (SMS)

A poorly designed and/or performance of the safety management system may (and probably does) contribute to most accidents in the workplace.

According to SAIF Corporation, hazardous conditions account for only about 3 percent of workplace accidents, while system failures contribute to 95 percent. Uncontrollable conditions account for only 2 percent of workplace accidents. As you can see, most accidents are the end result of safety management system design and performance failures. Consequently, an accident is more likely a matter of "when" not "if."

Flaws in safety programs, plans, policies, processes, procedures and practices (the 6-P's of a SMS) create undesired variables within the system and could, to large extent, be considered a root causes for accidents.

Supervisors and employee are key players making sure the quality of the daily performance of the SMS is adequate. While the safety staff may design the safety plan, supervisors and employees carry it out: They work the plan. Even a perfectly-designed safety plan won't work if supervisors and employees don't work the plan.

Supervisors provide support in this area best by ensuring adequate performance of the safety management system. They do this by carrying out their safety responsibilities and by maintaining safety training and performance records, completing reports, writing timely work orders, and purchase requests, etc.

Employees can help make sure the safety management system is working by complying with company safety rules, reporting injuries, reporting hazards, and making suggestions. They can also make a significant contribution by participating in safety committee activities.