Columns
1. Understanding SIFs: Why they matter to everyone
2. Use the right metrics for SIF prevention
3. Understanding and prioritizing risks, safeguards: The next step in SIF prevention
4. Engaging everyone: Building a learning culture to prevent SIFs
The NSC Serious Incident and Fatality (SIF) Prevention Model
The National Safety Council goes step-by-step through essential resources, tools and guidelines that can help users understand and implement various aspects of the SIF Model. The SIF Model is designed to support users in preventing serious incidents and fatalities.
References
The first column includes data from Injury Facts, an online source of preventable death and injury statistics compiled by NSC. Check it out.
The first column cites a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. Read about the study.
The second and fourth columns refer to a study conducted by RAND Corp. that found states with low nonfatal injury rates often had high fatality rates. Read about the study.
The second column refers to an update currently underway on the ASTM E2920 standard. Learn more about this standard.
The third column directs readers online to find examples of critical safeguards and layers of protection. The table below provides the examples:
Examples of critical safeguards and layers of protection
|
Hazard
|
Critical safeguard
|
Backup layer of protection
|
|---|---|---|
| Fall from height | Fall arrest system (harness, anchor) | Temporary guardrails, safety nets |
| Confined space entry | Air monitoring and entry permit | Rescue plan, standby rescue team |
| Hazardous chemical release | Automatic shutdown valve | Secondary containment, emergency alarms |
| High-pressure system | Pressure relief valve | Burst disk, remote shutdown |
| Mobile equipment | Physical barriers, integrated proximity alarms | Spotter, exclusion zones |
Takeaway: The goal isn’t just to have one safeguard, but to verify all layers are in place and working as intended.
NSC safety events
The HOP Summit was created to start a global conversation on integrating Human and Organizational Performance into workplace systems and management practices. HOP is a risk-based operating philosophy that recognizes error is part of the human condition, and an organization’s processes, systems and culture influence employees’ decisions, actions and, consequently, their likelihood of success. Learn more about the annual event.
The 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo is set for Sept. 12-18 in Denver. The event offers attendees multiple opportunities to further their knowledge of SIFs and HOP through education sessions. Registration is open.
From the Campbell Institute at NSC
- An Implementation Guide to Leading Indicators
- Practical Guide to Leading Indicators: Metrics, Case Studies and Strategies
- Beyond Safety: Leading Indicators for Health and Wellbeing
Contributors
Scott DeBow, CSP, ARM, is the director of health, safety and environmental at Avetta. With extensive experience in safety management, serious incident and fatality intervention strategy, and risk-based learning, Scott plays a pivotal role in driving Avetta’s mission to create safe, more sustainable supply chains. He has over 25 years of experience managing and advising on risk and occupational safety. Scott is an active member of the ANSI Z-10 Committee for Safety Management Systems.
Brad Kline is a National Safety Council consultant who has more than 40 years of experience positioning environmental, health and safety as a business partner, delivering a competitive advantage via the development and strategic implementation of EHS management systems with meaningful metrics and a focus on serious incident and fatality prevention. He’s a former global director of safety and health for PPG. As an NSC consultant, Brad helps members be successful safety and health leaders.
Jason Kunz has more than 15 years of experience working with leading companies, and has delivered keynotes/workshops for more than 20,000 people across 36 countries. A forward-thinker, with the objective to elevate the safety, health and well being of all workers, Jason uses his voice to amplify the profession and the professional. His life journey, blessings, and struggles have inspired a commitment to building professional communities that ensure an empowerment of their people. Jason is a husband, co-founder of Best Christmas Ever, speaker, coach, and community advocate. He’s a CIH and CSP, but mostly grateful to have a J-O-B and work with some of the most passionate people on the planet. Married since 2019, Jason and his wife Malia recently welcomed their first child and call Minneapolis-Saint Paul home.
NSC Networks Senior Director Perry Logan has more than 30 years of experience in the EHS field. Prior to joining NSC in October 2023, Logan worked at Health + Safety Leadership Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in providing strategic insights and practical solutions in the areas of health, safety, wellness, and sustainability. He also spent 20 years at 3M, serving as vice president of EHS chemical operations.
