Match the Key Principles with Theories of Accident Causation

Front

Accidents result from a chain of sequential events; removing one “domino” (unsafe act or condition) prevents the accident.

Back

Domino Theory

Front

Human error arises due to overload, inappropriate response, or lack of recognition; focuses on individual performance and human limitations.

Back

Human Factor Theory

Front

Builds on human factors; considers ergonomic traps, system failures, and the role of management or training deficiencies.

Back

Accident/Incident Theory

Front

Compares accidents to disease spread — multiple causal agents (environment, host, behavior) interact to cause incidents.

Back

Epidemiology Theory

Front

Views the workplace as a system of interacting components (person, machine, environment); accidents occur when system components fail to align safely.

Back

System Theory

Front

No single model explains all accidents; accidents often result from multiple overlapping causes across theories.

Back

Combination Theory

Front

Unsafe behavior is the main cause of accidents; modifying behavior through positive reinforcement improves safety.

Back

Behavioral Theory