What are the common reasons why accidents happen?

Answer 1

There are three general types of accidents: those caused by nature, those caused by material failures, and those caused by human errors. These often overlap.

1) Natural occurrences cause conditions that are either unforeseen or impossible to prevent, including wind, rain, ice, snow, lightning, collapses, landslides, and tectonic events. They contribute to accidents by presenting extreme conditions beyond those normally faced.

2) Mechanical flaws and material failures cause changes in structures and machinery that may result in damage or injury. Some can be traced to faulty manufacturing, insufficient safety precautions, exceeding design limits, poor maintenance, or improper use.

3) Human error is usually present to some degree, but not necessarily negligence. Individuals cannot focus their entire attention on every detail of their environment and activities, so it is physically impossible to foresee and avoid all types of accidents. But whenever conditions might suggest an increased potential for an accident to occur, increased attention to safety can avoid serious consequences.