Incident Prevention

1. Safety Planning

The fundamental objective behind providing a safe workplace is to prevent unwanted accidents/incidents that would affect people and/or property. The concept of incident prevention in today’s safety world has been identified under such concepts as risk assessment, hazard analysis, loss prevention, loss control and accident prevention to name a few. Nevertheless, the objective remains the same: Study the situation and take all the necessary precautions in advance to prevent or control an unwanted occurrence. This proactive concept is as simple as locking your car door to prevent it from being stolen or installing an emergency shutoff valve to prevent the flow of a hazardous chemical. No matter how simple or complex the preventive action may be, the end result is to prevent or minimize an unwanted incident from occurring.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: " … for every disease He (Allah) has created a cure. “ Dawud

One of the most interesting instructions about the concept of incident prevention in Islamic teachings remains today as a fundamental practice for preventing the spread of a contagious disease affecting a region/area.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If an epidemic occurs in a land, do not enter that land. However, if you are already there, don’t leave.”

In Islam, the saying, “Tie Your Camel,” means to be proactive in taking all the necessary actions to prevent an unwanted incident from occurring. This saying was derived from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he answered a man who questioned him about the security of his camel:

Anas ibn Malik said, I heard a man say "O Messenger of Allah, shall I tie her and trust in Allah or shall I let her go and trust in Allah?" Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "tie her and trust in Allah." Trimidhi

Another reference of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) requiring a person to be proactive:

“Don’t let your laziness be your trust.”

Under IBS, whether its wearing personal protective equipment, performing a process hazard analysis, writing a safety procedure or conducting training, all such activities are parallel to the understood meaning in Islam of “tying your camel.” Although this 1410 year old example of incident prevention is based on a man and his camel, the principle of proactively taking positive steps to prevent an unwanted incident from occurring remains the same regardless of its origin, technical, non-technical, physical or moral application. Furthermore, the saying has a more significant meaning. That is, no matter what physical actions are taken, be it work related or personal, a Muslim must still put his/her trust in Allah (SWT) for the Final Decree. 

2. Other Cultural Discussions:

1. Prevent Reoccurrence

2. Avoid Blame

3. Lesson Learned

4. Management By Walking Around

3. Technical Elements:

1. Process Hazard Analysis

2. Process Safety Information

3. Emergency Operations

4. Incident Investigations