What Causes Injuries?

This chapter discusses factors that can cause or contribute to the occurrence of occupational injuries and illnesses. While it is critical that organizations understand what programs must be “written” to meet specific regulatory requirements, it can also be helpful to have some understanding of physical, environmental, and organizational factors that can cause (or help to prevent) injuries and illnesses. The chapter reviews those factors as well as some common misunderstandings and biases that readers should avoid building into their programs. After a review of this information, the chapter discusses the value of company- and task-specific hazard evaluation using tools such as job hazard analyses (JHAs) (also known as job safety analyses [JSAs]). The chapter also reviews how an organization’s culture and philosophies will ultimately impact its safety. Knowing this type of information can help safety program developers to create tailored approaches to meet regulatory requirements but with an approach to management that considers human performance factors (e.g., how people work and human error) and systems factors.