Accident Types
An accident isn't just an event that can be lumped into one big category. In reality, there are many different types of accidents. Let's take a look at a partial list.
Safety Memo - The Accident Cascade
- Struck-by: A person is forcefully struck by an object. The force of contact is provided by the object.
- Struck-against: A person forcefully strikes an object. The person provides the force or energy.
- Contact-by: Contact by a substance or material that, by its nature, is harmful and causes injury.
- Contact-with: A person comes in contact with a harmful substance or material. The person initiates the contact.
- Caught-on: A person or part of his/her clothing or equipment is caught on an object that is either moving or stationary. This may cause the person to lose his/her balance and fall, be pulled into a machine, or suffer some other harm.
- Caught-in: A person or part of him/her is trapped, or otherwise caught in an opening or enclosure.
- Caught-between: A person is crushed, pinched or otherwise caught between a moving and a stationary object, or between two moving objects.
- Fall-to-same-surface: A person slips or trips and falls to the surface he or she is standing or walking on. This is the second most common accident causing injuries in the workplace.
- Fall-to-below: A person slips or trips and falls to a level below the one he/she was walking or standing on. This is the third-most common accident in the workplace (NSC).
- Overexertion: A person over-extends or strains himself/herself while performing work. This is the most common accident in the workplace (NSC).
- Bodily reaction: Caused solely from stress imposed by free movement of the body or assumption of a strained or unnatural body position. A leading source of injury.
- Overexposure: Over a period of time, a person is exposed to harmful energy (noise, heat), lack of energy (cold), or substances (toxic chemicals/atmospheres).
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. According to the National Safety Council (NSC) this is the most common accident type in the workplace.
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