Six Key Questions
Let's review the scenario introduced in Module 6. We'll use this scenario to make effective recommendations for corrective action, ensuring this accident never happens again. You'll do this by reviewing the accident scenario and answering six key questions.
With the information gained, you will conclude the investigation by writing a recommendation. Your job is to convince me (your decision-maker) that your ideas make sense. And remember, I'm busy, so make it good!
Bob was a new hire employee working as a clean-up person in the finish department of XYZ, Inc's particleboard plant.
On his first day of work, he received an initial classroom orientation on company policies from the personnel department.
He was also introduced to his new supervisor, who gave him a walk-around tour of the plant.
Since his supervisor didn't have time to fully brief Bob on his new job, he was then given some simple initial duties to accomplish.
While cleaning up around the floor under the return belt of a conveyor connected to a large piece of machinery, Bob noticed a jammed piece of wood. He removed a guard covering pinch points on the conveyor belt and reached in to remove the wood.
Bob's glove got caught in the return drum nip point, and he was drawn into the machinery. Bob's hand was severely injured and required surgery.
XYZ, Inc. has a mod rate of 1.5, which is worse than average for the industry. Unfortunately, this incident was not a total surprise to the company. Most of their OSHA 300 Log recordable accidents have resulted from injuries to employees within their first six months on the job.
Answer the following six questions to help develop and justify recommendations.
1. What exactly is the problem?
- Surface causes: What are the specific hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices that caused the problem?
- Root causes: What are system components - the inadequate design or implementation of safety management programs, policies, plans, processes, procedures, and general practices that allowed the conditions and behaviors to exist?
Continue on to the next section to answer the rest of the six questions.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-2. Reaching into an unguarded conveyor belt would be described as _____ of the injury in an accident report.
You forgot to answer the question!