Page 25 - Petrosphere - Loss Control Management (LCM) Training Manual V 1.0

24 Module 2: Values and Behavioral Dimensions in Loss Control Loss Contr
(LCM)

Domino Theory

This theory is developed by W.H. Heinrich (1931). He stated that 88% of all accidents are caused

by unsafe acts of people, 10% by unsafe actions and 2% by “acts of God.” Heinrich proposed a “five-
factor accident sequence” in which each factor would actuate the next step in the manner of toppling
dominoes lined up in a row. The sequence of accident factors is as follows:

1. Ancestry and Social
Environment

2. Fault by the Person
3. The Unsafe Act and/or
Mechanical or Physical
Hazard
4. The Accident

5. The Injury

These factors are in fixed and logical order. Each one is dependent on the one preceding it, so
that if one is absent, no injury can occur. The theory can be visualized as five standing dominoes in which
an accident and injury can be prevented if the preceding factors can be intervened, removed or corrected.

Accident causation is very complex and must be understood adequately in order to improve
accident prevention and lost control. Since safety lacks a theoretical base, it cannot be regarded as
science yet. Accident causation study holds great promise for those who are interested in developing the
pertinent theory. At present, theories of accident causation are conceptual in nature and, as such, are of
limited use in preventing and controlling accidents.

Safety Interventions

Always Consider These 3 Components

1. Safety Management System

2. Engineering Controls
3. Behaviors

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