What is Safety?

Definition of Safety

• Safety is a state or condition of being free from harm, danger, or risk.
• It encompasses a range of measures, practices, and precautions aimed at preventing accidents, injuries, and other adverse outcomes.

Importance of Safety

• Safety is a fundamental consideration in various aspects of life, including workplace, product, occupation, transportation, environment, and health.
• It is a dynamic and evolving concept that adapts to changes in technology, society, and the environment.

Need for Safety

• The primary reason for the need for safety is the preservation of life and health.
• Safety measures aim to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses that could risk the well-being and survival of individuals.
• Safety contributes to an improved quality of life, enabling individuals to focus on personal and professional growth without constant concern for potential threats.
• Safety is essential for maintaining social stability, fostering social cohesion, and creating trust and a sense of community.
• Safety measures help protect valuable resources, including human resources, natural resources, and infrastructure.
• Safety is recognized as a basic human right, with governments enacting laws and regulations to ensure the safety of individuals.

Evolution of Safety

• The history of safety is a story of evolving awareness, practices, and regulations aimed at preventing accidents, injuries, and promoting well-being.
• The First Age of Safety (Technical Age) emerged during the Industrial Revolution (1750-1760), focusing on eliminating hazards through engineering solutions.
• The Second Age of Safety (Human Factors Age) emerged in the mid-20th century, recognizing human error as a major factor in accidents and addressing human factors such as fatigue, stress, and workload.