We all know that neither people nor management systems are ever perfect. Organizations nevertheless depend upon supervisors and managers to eliminate or control unplanned, undesirable events. When these events do occur, since they were not prevented by policy or practice, something has failed in the process. These are the root failures of the “system.â€
Studies have shown that approximately 94 percent of errors in an organization are due to these systemic failures. If so, it follows that accident events and injuries are caused by operational errors, not by failures of individuals. Management has the responsibility of identifying and correcting these errors — not individual workers who have no control over the company’s operating policies or procedures.
The Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 says: “To ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the states in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education and training in the field of occupational safety and health; and for other purposes.â€