601 Essentials of Occupational Safety and Health

Glossary

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A

Accident. An unplanned event that results in injury, illness, or property damage.
Accident Findings. Conclusions drawn from the analysis of an accident, detailing causes and contributing factors.
Accident Investigation Questions. Questions designed to gather detailed information about the accident, including who, what, when, where, why, and how it occurred.
Accident Investigation Report. A comprehensive document detailing the findings, analysis, and recommendations following an accident investigation.
Accident Report. A formal record of the details and circumstances of an accident, typically required by regulatory bodies and used for analysis and prevention.
Accident Scene. The physical location where an accident occurred, containing evidence and clues that are critical for an investigation.
Accusatory. A type of questioning or behavior that blames or accuses someone of wrongdoing, often creating a defensive response.
Actual Events. The real actions and occurrences that took place during an incident.
Administrative Controls. Policies, procedures, and practices designed to minimize risk by managing the way work is performed.
Assumed Events. Actions or occurrences believed to have taken place, often based on incomplete or indirect evidence.

B

Backward Tracing Analysis. A method of investigating accidents by retracing events from the incident to the origin, identifying causes and contributing factors.
Bloodborne Pathogens Program. A workplace safety initiative aimed at preventing exposure to infectious materials such as blood or bodily fluids.
Bodily Reaction. Physical responses to external stimuli, often resulting in injuries such as sprains or strains.

C

Catastrophic Event. The hospitalization of three or more employees resulting from a workrelated incident or exposure, in general, from an incident caused by a workplace hazard.
Citation. A formal notice issued by a regulatory body, such as OSHA, indicating a violation of safety and health standards.
Classifying Chemicals. Classifying the health and physical hazards inherent in chemicals and substances is accomplished through data obtained from testing.
Combustible Liquid. A liquid with a flashpoint at or above 100ºF (37.8ºC) but below 200ºF (93.3ºC), posing a fire hazard under specific conditions.
Common Sense. In safety management and accident investigation, the term "Good sense" is more appropriate to use. "Good sense" emphasizes practical and sound judgment based on knowledge, experience, and understanding of safety principles. "Common sense" can be vague and subjective, potentially leading to misunderstandings about what is expected in terms of safety practices. Using "good sense" highlights the importance of informed decision-making in ensuring a safe work environment.
Compliance. Adherence to safety regulations, standards, and laws set by governing bodies.
Confined Space Safety. Measures and training designed to protect workers entering spaces not designed for continuous occupancy, such as tanks or pits, where hazards like low oxygen or toxic gases exist.
Continuous Improvement. An ongoing effort to enhance workplace safety and health programs through regular evaluations and updates based on lessons learned.
Contributing Factors. Conditions or actions that, either alone or in combination with others, increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Cooperation. The process of working together to the same end, essential for effective accident investigations and implementing safety measures.
Corrective Actions. Measures taken to eliminate the causes of existing nonconformities or other undesirable situations to prevent recurrence.
Corrective Maintenance. Repairing equipment and systems after a failure has occurred to restore them to operating condition.
Cranes Safety. Guidelines and protocols to ensure the safe operation of cranes, including load capacity limits, inspections, and operator certification.

D

De Minimis. Minor violations of safety regulations that do not have a direct impact on health or safety and usually do not result in fines.
Decision-Maker. An individual with the authority to make final decisions on matters such as implementing safety measures or corrective actions.
Direct Cause of Injury (Harmful Transfer of Energy). The immediate factor or mechanism that directly results in an injury, often involving the transfer of energy.
Discipline. The enforcement of workplace rules and policies through corrective actions or penalties to ensure compliance and prevent unsafe behaviors.
Domino Theory. A theory of accident causation that suggests accidents result from a sequence of events or factors, like falling dominoes, leading to an incident.

E

Education. The process of providing knowledge and understanding through teaching and learning activities.
Elements of a Safety Management System. Key components that contribute to the overall effectiveness of a safety management system, including policy, planning, implementation, evaluation, and management review.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP). A documented plan outlining procedures for employees to follow during emergencies, including evacuation routes and emergency contact information.
Emergency Response Plan. A set of procedures for dealing with emergencies, such as fires, chemical spills, or natural disasters, to minimize harm to people and property.
Employee. An individual who works part-time or full-time under a contract of employment, whether oral or written, express or implied, and has recognized rights and duties.
Employee Participation. Involvement of workers in safety planning, hazard identification, and decision-making to foster a safer workplace.
Employer. A person or organization that hires people to work for wages or a salary.
Energy Control Program. A comprehensive plan for controlling hazardous energy, such as electricity or hydraulic pressure, during maintenance, often involving lockout/tagout procedures.
Engineering Controls. Physical changes to the workplace or equipment to reduce exposure to hazards, such as installing ventilation systems or machine guards.
Environment. The surrounding conditions in which an employee operates, including physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic factors.
Environmental Management System (EMS). A systematic approach to managing environmental responsibilities to improve overall environmental performance and compliance.
Equipment. Tools or machinery used in the workplace to perform tasks.
Event Analysis. The study of events leading up to, during, and following an incident to determine causes and contributing factors.
Event Sequencing. The process of ordering events in the sequence they occurred to understand the progression and causation of an incident.
Evidence. Information and physical objects collected during an investigation to help determine the causes of an accident.
Evidence Collection. The process of gathering information, including physical evidence, witness statements, and documentation, to understand the causes and circumstances of an accident.
Exposure. The condition of being subjected to a potentially harmful physical, chemical, or biological agent.

F

Fall Arrest Systems. Equipment used to stop a worker in a fall from a height, such as harnesses and lifelines, to prevent injury.
Fall Restraint Systems. Equipment designed to prevent workers from reaching an area where they could fall, such as fixed lanyards or barriers.
Fall-To-Below Accident. An incident where a person falls to a lower level, such as from a roof to the ground, resulting in injury.
Fall-To-Surface Accident. An incident where a person falls onto the same level or surface, such as slipping and falling to the floor, causing injury.
Fact-Finding. The process of collecting factual information relevant to an investigation or inquiry.
Fatality. An incident resulting in the death of an individual.
Fire Prevention Plan (FPP). A document outlining measures to prevent workplace fires, including control of ignition sources, storage of flammable materials, and employee training.
Fishbone Diagram. A visual tool used to systematically identify and present all possible causes of a particular problem, also known as a cause-and-effect diagram.
Flammable Liquid. A liquid with a flashpoint below 100ºF (37.8ºC), capable of igniting easily and posing a significant fire risk.
Fleet Safety. Policies and training programs focused on minimizing risks for employees who operate vehicles as part of their job duties.
Forklift Safety. Training and protocols aimed at ensuring the safe operation of powered industrial trucks, including load handling, inspections, and operator qualifications.

G

Garbage-In Garbage-Out. The concept that the quality of input determines the quality of output, particularly relevant in data collection and analysis during investigations.
Globally Harmonized System (GHS). An international system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals to ensure consistent hazard communication.

H

Hazard. A condition or practice with the potential to cause injury, illness, or property damage.
Hazard Analysis. A process to identify and evaluate workplace hazards and determine effective control measures to reduce risk.
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). An OSHA regulation requiring employers to inform employees about hazardous chemicals in the workplace through labels, safety data sheets (SDS), and training.
Hazard Control. Methods employed to eliminate or reduce the risk of hazards, including engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment.
Hazard Identification. The process of recognizing and documenting hazards that could potentially cause harm.
Hazardous Chemical. Any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard.
Hazardous Conditions. Environmental or workplace situations that pose a risk of causing harm or injury.
HAZWOPER. A set of OSHA standards regulating hazardous waste operations and emergency response activities to protect workers.
HCS. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, 1910.1200, adopted in 2012 to align with the GHS.
Hierarchy of Controls. A system used to minimize or eliminate exposure to hazards, ranked from most effective (elimination) to least effective (PPE).
Human Resources. The department within an organization responsible for managing employee relations, benefits, recruitment, training, and compliance with labor laws.

I

Incident. An occurrence, condition, or situation arising in the course of work that resulted in or could have resulted in injuries, illnesses, or damage.
Incident Report. A detailed account of an accident or near-miss, documenting the events leading up to, during, and after the incident.
Industrial Hygiene. The practice of identifying, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may pose health risks, such as chemical, physical, or biological hazards.
Injury Analysis. The examination of injuries sustained during an accident to determine the direct cause and contributing factors.
Interim Measures. Temporary actions taken to control hazards until permanent solutions can be implemented.
Interviewing Techniques. Methods and strategies used to effectively question witnesses and gather accurate information during an investigation.
Intimidation. The act of making someone fearful or overawed, often hindering effective communication and cooperation during an investigation.
Investigation. A systematic process of examining an accident to determine its causes and to identify measures to prevent recurrence.

J

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). A process that identifies potential workplace hazards associated with specific tasks and determines how to control or eliminate those risks.

K

Kinetic (Impact) Energy. The energy possessed by an object due to its motion, which can cause injury upon impact.

L

Ladder Safety. Best practices for the safe use of ladders, including choosing the right ladder, maintaining three points of contact, and inspecting for damage.
Leader. An individual who guides or directs a group towards achieving goals, often influencing safety culture and practices.
Leadership. The act of leading a group or organization, particularly in fostering a safe and compliant work environment.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). Procedures for controlling hazardous energy to protect workers during equipment maintenance or servicing, preventing accidental startup.

M

Machine Guarding. Physical barriers or devices installed on machines to protect workers from contact with moving parts, sparks, or debris.
Management. The coordination and administration of tasks to achieve a goal, particularly in ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Manager. An individual responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff, often overseeing safety protocols and compliance.
Mechanical Energy. The energy associated with the motion and position of an object, which can cause injury if released uncontrolled.
Motion Through Time. The sequence of events and actions leading up to, during, and following an accident, used to understand the dynamics of the incident.

N

Near-Miss. An incident in which no injury or damage occurs, but which could have resulted in an accident under different circumstances.
Non-Events. Expected occurrences that did not happen, which can be critical in understanding the sequence and causation of an incident.

O

Observations. Recorded notes and comments made by investigators based on what they see and perceive during an accident investigation.
Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL). The maximum concentration of a substance to which workers can be exposed without adverse health effects, as determined by OSHA or other regulatory bodies.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A federal agency of the United States Department of Labor that ensures safe and healthy working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Open-Ended Question. A type of question that allows for a wide range of responses, encouraging detailed and informative answers.
OSHA Focus Four Hazards. The four leading causes of construction fatalities: falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between accidents, and electrocutions.
OSHA Rules Related to Accident Investigation. Regulations and guidelines provided by OSHA that outline the procedures for conducting accident investigations to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
OSHA Violation Penalties. Fines and sanctions imposed by OSHA for non-compliance with safety and health standards, varying based on severity and willfulness of violations.
Overexertion. Physical strain or effort beyond one's capacity, often leading to musculoskeletal injuries.
Overexposure. Excessive exposure to harmful substances or environments, such as chemicals, noise, or radiation, leading to health issues.

P

Penalty. A punishment, often in the form of a fine, imposed for violations of safety regulations or standards.
Perception. The way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted, which can influence safety attitudes and behaviors.
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). PEL is an acronym for Permissible Exposure Limit which is the highest level of exposure over an 8-hour period that an employee may be exposed to without incurring the risk of adverse health effects.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that can cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.
Pictograms. Standardized symbols used on labels and safety data sheets to indicate specific hazards associated with chemicals, as required by GHS.
Plan. A detailed proposal or strategy to achieve specific safety goals or objectives.
Policy. A set of guidelines or rules that govern the actions and decisions within an organization to ensure safety and compliance.
Positioning Systems. Safety equipment, such as body belts and positioning lanyards, that allows workers to remain hands-free while working at height.
Potential Energy. The energy stored in an object due to its position or state, which can be released and cause harm.
Preventive Maintenance. Regular and routine maintenance to help keep equipment running and prevent any unplanned downtime and expensive costs from unanticipated equipment failure.
Proactive Safety Measures. Strategies implemented to prevent accidents and incidents before they occur, including training, inspections, and hazard assessments.
Procedure. An established method of performing a task or activity, often documented to ensure consistency and safety.
Process. A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end, often documented to ensure safety and efficiency.
Program. A coordinated set of activities or initiatives aimed at achieving specific safety and health goals.

Q

Qualified Person. An individual with sufficient training, experience, or certification to perform specific tasks or inspections, as defined by OSHA.
Quantitative Fit Test (QNFT). A method to assess the fit of a respirator using instruments to measure the amount of leakage into the facepiece.

R

Reactive Safety Measures. Actions taken in response to an incident or accident to address hazards, improve safety, and prevent recurrence.
Recommendation. A suggestion or proposal put forward to improve safety or prevent future accidents.
Respiratory Protection. Equipment and programs designed to protect workers from inhaling harmful airborne substances, including dust, fumes, and gases.
Root Cause. The fundamental reason for the occurrence of a problem, which, if addressed, would prevent recurrence.
Root Cause Analysis. A method of problem-solving used for identifying the root causes of faults or problems, focusing on why the accident occurred rather than just the immediate causes.

S

Safe Work Practices. Established procedures and guidelines designed to ensure the safety and health of employees while performing their job tasks.
Safety Committee Operations. Activities and responsibilities of a workplace safety committee, including hazard identification, safety program development, and communication of safety initiatives.
Safety Culture. The shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and practices within an organization that prioritize and promote workplace safety. A strong safety culture encourages proactive hazard identification, open communication about safety concerns, and active employee participation in creating a safe working environment.
Safety Data Sheet (SDS). A document that provides detailed information about the properties, hazards, and safe handling of a chemical substance.
Safety Inspections. Systematic evaluations of a workplace or equipment to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Safety Measures. Actions or devices designed to prevent accidents or reduce their severity.
Scaffold Safety. Guidelines and practices for the safe use of scaffolding, including proper assembly, inspections, and fall protection measures.
Securing the Scene. The act of controlling and preserving an accident site to prevent further harm, protect evidence, and facilitate an investigation.
Sequence of Events. The chronological order of actions and occurrences that led to an accident, used to analyze the progression of the incident.
Serious Injury. An injury that results in significant physical harm, such as fractures, severe cuts, or injuries requiring hospitalization.
Simultaneous Events. Multiple events occurring at the same time, which may interact or compound the effects leading to an incident.
Sketch. A drawing or diagram that represents the scene of an accident, used to provide a visual context during an investigation.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Hazards. Workplace conditions, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or loose cords, that can lead to accidents causing injury.
Spill Containment. Methods and equipment used to prevent the spread of spilled liquids, particularly hazardous substances, to reduce risks to workers and the environment.
Stairway Safety. Measures to prevent slips, trips, and falls on stairways, including proper lighting, handrails, and clear treads.
Struck-Against Accident. An incident where a person forcefully contacts a stationary object, causing injury.
Struck-By Accident. An incident where a person is hit by a moving object, leading to injury.
Substitution Controls. Replacing hazardous materials or processes with safer alternatives to reduce risk.
Supervisor. An individual who oversees the work of others, ensuring tasks are performed safely and correctly.
Surface Cause. The immediate or obvious reasons for an accident, often easily identifiable but not addressing underlying issues.
System Analysis. The study of a system's components and interactions to identify weaknesses and improve overall safety performance.
System Design Root Causes. Fundamental flaws in the design of a system that contribute to the occurrence of accidents or unsafe conditions.
System Improvement. Actions taken to enhance the performance and safety of a system, often based on analysis and recommendations from investigations.
System Performance Root Causes. Fundamental issues in how a system operates that lead to accidents or unsafe conditions.
Systems Theory of Accident Investigation. An approach that considers the complex interactions between various components of a system, such as people, equipment, and environment, in understanding and preventing accidents.

T

Toxic. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Tough-Caring Leadership. Leaders are tough on safety (they have high standards) because they care about their employees.
Training. The process of teaching or developing skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies.

U

Unsafe Behaviors. Actions by individuals that increase the risk of an accident or injury.

V

Victim. An individual who suffers injury, harm, or loss as a result of an accident.
Violation. A breach of safety regulations, standards, or policies, often resulting in disciplinary action or penalties.

W

Walking-Working Surfaces. Any horizontal or vertical surface on which employees perform work, including floors, stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, requiring proper maintenance to prevent hazards.
Warnings. Visual, auditory, or written alerts used to notify employees of potential hazards, such as signs, alarms, or color-coded labels.
Welding Safety. Practices and protective measures, such as wearing flame-resistant clothing and using proper ventilation, to prevent hazards like burns, sparks, and toxic fumes during welding operations.
Why-You Questions. Questions that explore the reasons behind actions or decisions, often used in root cause analysis.
Witness Statement. A written or recorded account of what a witness observed or knows about an accident or incident.
Workload. The amount of work assigned to or expected from an employee in a specific time period, which can impact safety and performance.
Work Practice Controls. Procedures and techniques used to reduce the likelihood of exposure to hazards during work tasks.
Workstation. The physical space and setup where an employee performs their job tasks, including equipment, tools, and layout.
Workplace Violence. Acts of aggression, threats, or physical violence that occur in the workplace, potentially causing harm to employees.

X

X-Ray Safety. Procedures and protective measures to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation, including shielding, monitoring, and PPE for operators.

Y

Yield Point. The point at which a material begins to deform plastically under stress, relevant to understanding load-bearing capacities in construction and material handling.

Z

Zero Energy State. A condition achieved during lockout/tagout procedures where all energy sources have been isolated or dissipated, ensuring equipment cannot start unexpectedly.
Zero Tolerance Policy. A workplace rule that enforces strict consequences for specific unsafe behaviors, such as violence or drug use, to maintain safety and compliance.