ABSTRACT
Once an unsafe act or an unsafe condition is imminent, Luck Factor 1 determines whether there will be an exchange of energy. This exchange is in the form of a contact with a substance or source of energy greater than the threshold limit of the body or article. The contact, or exchange of energy, is the part of the Cause, Effect, and Control of Accidental Loss sequence that is most closely associated with the loss. The exchange of energy is what injures damages, pollutes, or interrupts the business process. As most safety writers seem to be in agreement that there is some form of energy release that precedes the injury, damage, or interruption, the consequences of certain types of energy exchange can be predicted by applying a simple risk assessment. Control during the contact stage of the accident sequence can only be directed at minimizing or averting the amount and type of energy exchange.
