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702 Effective Accident Investigation
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Accident Types

An accident isn't a single type of event that fits into one broad category. In reality, there are various types of accidents.

The Accident Cascade

Let's take a look at a partial list.

  • Struck-by: An object forcefully hits a person, where the object exerts the force.
  • Struck-against: A person strikes an object forcefully, with the person generating the force.
  • Contact-by: Injury occurs when a person comes into contact with a harmful substance or material.
  • Contact-with: A person initiates contact with a harmful substance or material.
  • 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 becomes trapped or caught in an opening or enclosure.
  • Fall-To-surface: A person falls and lands on the same level or surface they were standing on. This type of fall can happen due to slipping, tripping, or losing balance.
  • Fall-To-below: A slip or trip results in a fall from the surface a person is on to a lower level. For example a worker falls from a scaffold or ladder.
  • Overexertion: Putting too much strain on the body when a person lifts, pushes, pulls, holds, carries, or throws a heavy or large object.
  • Bodily reaction: Injury arises solely from free body movement or adopting a strained or unnatural position, a common injury source.
  • Overexposure: Prolonged exposure to harmful energy (like noise, heat), lack of energy (such as cold), or harmful substances (toxic chemicals/atmospheres).

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-2. This type of accident is likely to occur if a worker carries a box that is too heavy.