Accident proneness and how to prevent it

Abstract

Accidents are unplanned, unexpected events usually producing injury or property damage. They occur when there is a disequilibrium between environmental hazards, exposure to hazards, and vulnerability to hazards. Vulnerability involves the condition of both physical and psychologic faculties. Repeating accidents occur when one or more of these three general components is increased significantly. This condition is referred to as "accident proneness," especially when vulnerability and/or exposure are significantly affected by psychologic predisposition. Prevention involves holistic assessment of the total situation, detecting the area or areas contributing to accident liability, and either devising methods for restoration of equilibrium or referring the patient to appropriate ancillary professionals who can bring about changes that will shift the balance away from accident production.