The various theories of accident causation attempt to explain the occurrence of incidents despite proper preparations and experience in the field. This paper will therefore look at the various theories in relation to occupation health and safety, examining how each explain the various causes of accidents.
Heinrich’s Domino Theory
First among the theories is the Domino Theory. The theory suggests that an accident is part of a domino effect that actually results in an injury (Rad). In other words, an accident is among the factors that would be affected by a chain reaction that results in an injury. in order to fully understand the theory, it essential for one to picture actual dominos arranged in such a way that when one falls it consequently topples the next in a chain reaction resulting to the fall of each piece. In this case an accident is one among the pieces and is usually positioned immediately before the injury in the arrangement. Other pieces represent different factors including social and environmental factors, behavioral factors (for example alcoholism), human errors (for example carelessness) and the injury coming last prior to the injury being sustained. Therefore, mechanical or personal hazards contribute directly to the occurrence of an accident and ultimately the injury. Similarly, the occurrence of this mechanical or personal hazard is usually as a result of flaws in the design of mechanical equipment or carelessness or errors committed by individuals operating the equipment or related in any way to the other factors. In turn, it is the social environments that predisposes the person to the commission of this errors or to being careless.
The theory therefore suggests that emphasize should be placed on the factors that precede the accident when attempting to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. Specifically, the mechanical or personal factors that are usually responsible for the start of such chain reactions should be dealt with so as to reduce the chances of accidents occurring in the workplace. According to Heinrich, the effects of accidents can only be reduced when their causes are addressed. That is, an organization should not focus on effects, injuries and property damage, but the causes of this effects. For this reason, he defined accident as an unexpected and unrestrained event that may or may not result in an injury. For example, a person may not always get hurt when he or she falls in the event that they slip and fall.
The theory goes to propose three distinct steps for mitigating accidents in the work place. The steps were labeled “The Three “E”s by Heinrich. First among the steps is the “engineering” step. Here, the design and mechanical performance of the equipment are optimized as a hazard control measure. The second step being “education” it entails the training of workers pertaining the safety aspects of the occupation. The last step is “enforcement”. This step is important as it ensures that the staff of the organization adheres to the safety policy in the place of work.
Human Factors Theory