For accident-free performance, which approach is essential?

• A. An integrated view of human performance
• B. Isolated focus on individual performance
• C. Exclusive reliance on PPE
• D. Extended work shifts

Answer: (A)

Accident-free performance comes from understanding how people interact with the whole system—procedures, tools, equipment, and the work environment—not just from isolated factors. An integrated view of human performance looks at how these elements fit together: how tasks are designed, how information is communicated, how fatigue or distractions affect judgment, and how leadership and culture support safe work. By considering all these pieces, you can identify where barriers or latent conditions might allow an error to lead to an incident and implement fixes that strengthen the entire system. For example, even a well-trained worker wearing proper PPE can still be at risk if the procedure is unclear, the equipment is poorly designed, or communication during a job is inconsistent. The integrated approach addresses these interconnected factors—training, procedures, equipment design, supervision, teamwork, and environment—so safety improvements are effective across real work conditions. In contrast, focusing only on the individual, relying solely on PPE, or extending shifts ignores how system factors contribute to accidents and is unlikely to prevent them.