Accident prevention is both science and art. It represents, above all other things, control i.e. the
control of human performance, machine or equipment performance and physical environment.
The word „control‟ connotes prevention as well as correction of unsafe conditions and actions.
Prevention is the first step of control.
To control unsafe human actions, knowledge of psychology, philosophy and management are
necessary. To control unsafe conditions, knowledge of engineering, health effects, industrial hygiene,
ergonomics etc. are necessary.
Accident prevention requires five steps organisation, fact- finding analysis if the facts found,
selection of remedy and application of the remedy. Sixth step of monitoring should be considered. It
includes measurement of result, assessment i.e. comparing with legal criteria or sta ndard, feedback and
further improvement if necessary.