Accidents just happen, or do they? An accident, according to Webster’s Dictionary, states that an unforeseen, unplanned event or circumstance occurs and that this event transpires from a lack of intention or necessity. The statement that accidents just happen is an improper designation. A better description would state that accidents are caused. Traditionally, there are multiple contributing factors to an accident. The majority of which are preventable.
An example of this could be related to a slip and fall.
If we break down a common slip and fall into segments we can better understand this principle.
A floor in a kitchen has grease spilled on it from a fryer. The spill is neglected due to a deadline that needs to be met for a function. Meanwhile, an assistant in the washroom is cleaning a group of sheet trays needed to complete deserts for this event. The assistant was wearing a pair of worn out tennis shoes with balding soles. The kitchen chef calls for the trays and the assistant obliges by making his way to the prep area. Unfortunately, the assistant is unaware of the grease spill and cannot see in front of the trays. The assistant steps in the grease with his balding shoes and obstructed view and ultimately slips and falls. As stated, a chain of events has occurred, a chain that could be broken with a better understanding of why accidents don’t just happen but are caused.
If we can remove just one of the hazards mentioned above we can ultimately alter the outcome of an unforeseen, unplanned event or circumstance.