Is "Zero Accidents" a realistic goal?

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S

samsung

#52
One of the important aspects contributing to realization of the 'zero' accident goal is what we consider 'accident' as or how we define/ count upon them. Based on the definition given in the current version of OHSAS, "any work related event that can cause injury, ill health or fatality is termed as an accident". Further it doesn't make much differentiation between an 'accident' and a 'near miss' and collectively view all such events as 'incidents'.

While it can be accepted that a 'zero' Loss Time Accident/Injury Frequency rate is achievable, it is hard to believe that a 'zero near miss' (a kind of 'accident') is ever achievable or has ever been achieved.

A 'Near Miss' speaks well of an accident which did actually happen and since everyone was lucky enough for not being there, no injuries sustained else the event took place due to lack of necessary controls. Infact one can experience several instances of such 'near miss events' in one's daily work life. If such instances are ignored while evaluating the status of accidents during a given period, one can reach close to the goal or even claim to have achieved it. A 'zero' status can't be claimed simply because no one was hurt while 'likelihood' still prevails giving rise to fateful occurrences.

And IMO, why a 'zero' status can't be sustained (if achieved) for longer is because we somehow can't eliminate all the contributory factors that crop up in the form of 'near miss' events which eventually translate into the kind of accidents where real injuries do sustain.
 

Ajit Basrur

Staff member
Admin
#54
No,I meant PPM:parts Per Million.That is a standard expression of measure of rejections in manufacturing industry.
V.J.Brahmaiah
dppm is the right expression as ppm is used in many instances for example, concentration of chlorine in water as 1 ppm etc.; while dppm stands for defects parts per million :)
 
P

Polly Pure Bread

#55
Goals don't motivate people - leaders motivate people, and people are motivated from within. Tap into the intrinsic motivation in the people. No one wants to go home hurt.
i agree. you need the support of other people to achieve your goals. they can serve as your cheering squad who will inspire and encourage you to keep going. Success also becomes much sweeter if you have someone to share it with.

goal setting is a lot easier compaired to taking action to accomplish them and considering all contributory factors mentioned by Samsung.
 

Jim Wynne

Staff member
Admin
#57
dppm is the right expression as ppm is used in many instances for example, concentration of chlorine in water as 1 ppm etc.; while dppm stands for defects parts per million :)
What is DPPM?
V.J.Brahmaiah
I think the "D" was added at some point by the Six Sigma crowd. As Ajit explained, it stands for "defective." the point he was trying to make was that "ppm" might not include enough information, as the abbreviation is often used to describe concentrations or proportions in chemistry and other disciplines. I personally believe the "D" is superfluous in our discussions most of the time.
 
B

brahmaiah

#58
I think the "D" was added at some point by the Six Sigma crowd. As Ajit explained, it stands for "defective." the point he was trying to make was that "ppm" might not include enough information, as the abbreviation is often used to describe concentrations or proportions in chemistry and other disciplines. I personally believe the "D" is superfluous in our discussions most of the time.
Thanks for the clarification.
V,J,Brahmaiah
 
O

Ornthorpe

#59
"could it be sustained and for how long?"
That is the question you will answer. The only realistic target is zero. Can we have zero accidents / fires for today? For this month? One year? 5 years?
Each of these is a worthy goal and can be celebrated when it happens. The alternative is knowing and accepting injury. This is not the same as knowing and accepting risk.
 
S

somerqc

#60
It can be done for a very long time.

I recently had a previous employer announce that they had not had a single lost time accident in over 15 years in ANY of their 45 facilities in North America!!

To them Health & Safety was just as important as producing a quality product and it showed! They established a system that created situations where people could not get hurt! They carefully monitored "near-misses" as well so that the behavior could be changed for the better (no, this doesn't always mean discipline).

Sorry but I have to disagree that it isn't possible.
 
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