Unsafe Act and Unsafe Condition

Unsafe Act refers to human behaviors that violate safety protocols, such as bypassing safety interlocks or failing to use PPE. Unsafe Condition refers to hazardous environmental or equipment states, such as exposed wiring or lack of machine guards. Both are core elements of ISO 45001:2018 Clause 6.1.2 (Hazard Identification). Effective risk management requires addressing both the human factor and the physical environment to prevent workplace accidents. In the context of the provided article, the contractor safety management system (CSMS) specifically targets these two elements to prevent high-risk accidents during industrial operations.

Implementation follows a three-step approach: Identification, Control, and Monitoring. First, companies must categorize risks into behavioral and environmental types, using tools like FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis). Second, controls must be applied: engineering controls for unsafe conditions (e.g., installing physical barriers) and administrative controls for unsafe acts (e.g., mandatory safety briefings). Third, performance must be measured using KPIs like the Incident-Free Days and Near-Miss Reporting Rate. For example, a Taiwanese automotive parts manufacturer implemented a BBS program that reduced workplace injuries by 40% within 12 months by focusing on behavioral correction and equipment-based safety interlocks.

Three main challenges exist: Cultural resistance (senior workers ignoring safety rules), regulatory pressure (strict enforcement of the Occupational Safety and Health Act), and resource constraints (SMEs struggling with the cost of upgrading equipment). To overcome these, companies should: 1) Implement Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) to change the safety culture from the ground up. 2) Use digital transformation (e.g., IoT sensors for equipment monitoring) to automate the detection of unsafe conditions. 3. Prioritize high-risk activities first to maximize ROI on safety investments. A phased approach—starting with high-risk activities as seen in the article—ensures compliance and employee buy-in within the first 90 days.

Winners Consulting Services Co., Ltd. specializes in Unsafe Act and Unsafe Condition for Taiwan enterprises, delivering compliant management systems within 90 days. Free consultation: https://winners.com.tw/contact