The good news about the items on the list of unsafe acts is that, for the most part, they are within your control. You can make sure you never bypass a machine guard or fail to wear safety glasses or hearing protection. You can also influence the potentially unsafe acts of others. How? By refusing to engage in horseplay or by reminding a co-worker of a safety rule that is being ignored.

UNSAFE ACTS ARE:

A deviation from generally recognized safe practices or specified methods of performing a job that increases the likelihood of an accident.

Unauthorized use or operation of equipment

Under OSHA standards, employees must be properly trained to perform tasks that require specific knowledge or skills, including the operation of equipment. Workers must be familiar with the operation and safety concerns of any equipment before using it.

Failure to secure or tie down materials to prevent unexpected movement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are specific about the use of tie-downs. When hauling materials, know the weight and length of the load. When hauling equipment, know the weight of the equipment and the grade of chains being used to secure it to the trailer.

Working or operating equipment too fast

Operating equipment at excessive speeds can lead to rollovers and injuries. Always operate equipment at safe speeds, especially when turning or traveling down slopes.

Failure to issue warnings or signals as required

Whenever accident prevention signs or tags are used, it is essential to understand and follow all applicable requirements. Using unapproved signs or tags not only increases the risk to those in the area but can also result in an OSHA citation if discovered during an inspection.

Using defective tools or equipment

Keep tools well maintained and in proper working order. Any tool found to be defective, dull, or visibly damaged should be taken out of service, red-tagged, and reported.

Removing guards

All guards are designed for a purpose: to prevent injuries. Do not remove or disable guards for convenience, and do not use equipment with missing guards. Any tool that does not have the proper guards in place should be taken out of service, red-tagged, and reported.

Improper use of tools or equipment

Use the right tool for the right job. There are striking tools, prying tools, and tools designed for specific tasks. Do not try to make do with an incorrect tool. Injuries can occur when a tool is used improperly or not as designed.

Being unaware of position or posture

Not recognizing that you are too close to traffic or equipment can result in being struck-by or caught-between hazards. When lifting, keep your back straight and bend at the knees. Hold the object close to your body, and if it is too heavy or bulky, get help before lifting.

Servicing moving equipment

Before servicing equipment, make sure it is properly chocked and that the brake is engaged. Use all body props or mechanical supports provided by the manufacturer and secure them as designed. Remove the key from the ignition and keep it in your pocket. This serves as your personal lockout/tagout by ensuring equipment is de-energized and cannot be operated during servicing.

Riding equipment not designed for passengers

Operators of equipment should not allow unauthorized riders. Employees who ride in buckets, on forks, or on parts of a vehicle not designed to carry riders are at high risk of falling off or being caught under the vehicle.

Horseplay

Horseplay of any kind is not allowed, especially when working close to traffic or around equipment. Seemingly innocent practical jokes at work can lead to accidents. Some deadly!

Failure to wear proper personal protective equipment

Your supervisor should assess the proper PPE needed for each task and provide it. It is up to each individual to properly inspect, wear and maintain the PPE provided.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS ARE:

A physical hazard or unsatisfactory condition in the workplace that increases the likelihood of an accident or injury.

Lack of proper guards

Not all missing guards result from removal. Some guards may never have been installed, creating an unsafe condition. All equipment should be inspected before use. Equipment that is not properly guarded should be red-tagged and reported.

Lack of a proper warning system

Signs and warnings are everywhere! They exist for a reason—to alert you to potential hazards. Employers should assess each work site and check that the proper warning signs are present. It is up to the employee to follow the guidance that each sign, label, bell or horn provide.

Fire and explosive hazards

Fires and explosions are among the most serious industrial hazards and can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. It is essential to store flammable and combustible materials properly, keeping them separate from heat sources.

Poor housekeeping

Regularly evaluate your work area, identify hazards, and take action before they have the chance to injure yourself or a coworker.

Unexpected movements

Unexpected movement can cause serious accidents or injuries, whether it involves vehicles, machinery, equipment, or stored loads. Always check that safety features like backup alarms, brake lights, or warning signals are functioning properly.

When an item that should stay stationary suddenly shifts, step back and make sure you and your coworkers are clear of the area. Plan ahead and secure loads, equipment, and machinery to prevent sudden movement before starting work.

Protruding objects

Items that extend into walkways, off shelves, or out of vehicles create clearance hazards and can lead to trips, falls, or lacerations. Objects sticking out from equipment or materials can also cause bodily injuries or property damage. Regularly inspect work areas and secure or remove protruding objects to maintain a safe environment.

Improper clearance or congestion

All workers and equipment—forklifts, pedestrians, hand trucks and pallet jacks—require sufficient clearance both overhead and side-to-side. Obstructions such as pallets sticking out, boxes piled in aisles or trash left on the floor can create serious hazards and increase the risk of accidents. Keep passageways clear at all times to ensure safe and efficient movement. 

Poor placement, storage or arrangement of materials

Handling and storing materials can involve many operations, such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truck loaded with concrete blocks, or manually carrying and stacking palletized bricks. Inspect all slings and chains before use. Know the working load limits of the chain or sling, and follow basic rigging requirements. Improper handling or placement of materials can result in costly injuries. 

Hazardous tools

Repair or replace damaged tools as necessary.

Poor lighting and high noise levels

Inadequate lighting can make it difficult to see objects on the floor that obstruct walkways. It also makes it harder to notice changes in floor elevation, such as steps or staircases, and can affect depth perception.

High noise levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Employers should assess noise hazards and implement policies requiring hearing protection. Employees must wear appropriate hearing protection in high-noise areas or when operating loud equipment.

Confined space and air hazards

Confined space monitoring, respiratory protection and air sampling are critical for managing hazardous atmospheric conditions. Humans are meant to breathe clean air, not contaminated air. Particulates that could cause explosions or airborne contaminants harmful to health put workers at risk—often without their knowledge. Many hazardous substances are odorless and undetectable without careful, regular monitoring.

Improper personal attire

Workers have the right to protect their health, and employers are responsible for providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure the level of PPE is adequate for the task.