What is Unsafe Act & Unsafe Condition? Toolbox Talk Topics

Behind the reason or cause for an accident is always an unsafe act or an unsafe condition. Therefore if we want to avoid accidents, we must remove the cause behind the incident.

Every cause is a result of an unsafe act or unsafe condition.

By recognizing the unsafe act or condition, we can effectively remove the exposure to them.

A safety meeting or toolbox talk is an opportunity to discuss a specific occupational health and safety topic in an informal setting. It’s intended to be participatory, encouraging questions and discussion and drawing on workers’ experience.

A toolbox talk is not a lecture and there are no tests as well.

The safety toolbox meeting can be short (10-20 minutes) and it can be part of an existing staff or crew meeting.

12 Unsafe Act & 12 Unsafe Condition

The following most common “deadly dozen” are reminders to help you recognize unsafe acts or conditions.

12 Unsafe Acts

1. Unauthorized use or operation of equipment.

2. Failure to secure or tie down materials to prevent unexpected movement.

3. Working or operating equipment too fast.

4. Failure to issue warnings or signals as required.

5. Using defective tools or equipment.

6. Removing guards.

7. Improperly using tools or equipment.

8. Standing in an unsafe place or assuming an improper posture (as in lifting).

9. Servicing moving equipment.

10. Riding equipment not designed for passengers.

11. Horseplay.

12. Failure to wear the proper personal protective equipment.

12 Unsafe Conditions

1. Lack of proper guards.

2. Lack of a proper warning system.

3. Fire and explosion hazards.

4. Poor housekeeping.

5. Unexpected movements.

6. Protruding objects such as nails, wire, or other metals.

7. Improper clearance or congestion at aisles or passageways.

8. Poor placement, storage or arrangement of materials.

9. Hazardous tools, equipment or materials.

10. Poor lighting, high noise levels.

11. Hazardous atmospheric conditions.

12. Improper personal attire.

If you are able to recognize the conditions or acts we just discussed, you can effectively correct or avoid them and reduce your personal exposure to the general causes of accidents.

Always promote a discussion on any of the topics covered in the Tool Box Talks. Should any question arise that you cannot answer, don’t hesitate to contact your seniors.