Possible Contributing Factors (PEMEP)

Last Updated: February 4, 2026

People

Was the worker experienced with respect to the work being done?
Was lack of adequate training and/or job instruction a contributing factor?
Did the worker properly understand work/task directions?
Was the worker physically capable of carrying out the job?
Was worker required to wear PPE at the time of accident?
Was lack of proper training, instruction or information about PPE a contributing factor?
Was the worker under unusual stress because of work or personal factors?
What was the status of their health?
Was the worker fatigued?
Were drugs or alcohol a possible contributing factor?
Was worker transporting people or valuables (e.g., cash, equipment/computers, medication, chemicals)?
Was worker responsible for monitoring/securing buildings or initiate response to security issues?
Was worker handling highly sensitive or controversial matters (e.g., making or relaying decisions about personal, medical, employment, financial or academic issues)?

Was there an equipment failure? What caused it to fail?
Was the equipment poorly designed for the job?
Was an incorrect tool used?
Were the proper tools or materials available?
Was the equipment/tool being used for what it was designed for?
Were the equipment/tools in good condition?
What were the steps involved in using the equipment or machine?
Were actions/steps in line with established written work procedures?
Were the correct written work procedures used?
Was this a routine or non-routine task on this equipment (i.e., happens rarely, long periods of time in between, workers not as familiar with non-routine tasks)?
Was there anything unusually dangerous about this particular equipment?
Did the tasks of other workers contribute in any way to the accident?
Had conditions changed to make the normal procedure unsafe using this equipment?

Were hazardous materials involved?
Was a Safety Data Sheet (available)? Easily accessible?
Was the hazardous substance stored in compliance with SDS information?
Were containers properly labeled?
Was a less hazardous alternative substance possible or available?
Was this hazardous substance new to the workplace?
Was worker required to handle valuables (e.g., cash, equipment/computers, medication, chemicals)?
Was personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job?
Was PPE provided, used, and in good condition?
Was the correct PPE used (e.g., glove type, respirator type)?
What training/qualifications were required for the worker to handle this material?

Were toxic gases, dusts, vapours, or fumes present?
Was it too hot or too cold?
Was humidity a possible contributing factor?
Was noise a problem?
What were the weather conditions?
Was poor housekeeping a problem?
Were working surfaces slippery, dusty or untidy?
Was the workspace adequate for the task?
Was workstation layout a possible contributing factor?
Was glare a problem?
Was ventilation adequate?
Was applicable signage posted/accurate (e.g., confined space, restricted space)?
Was lighting adequate?
Was this the worker’s usual work area?
Was the worker working alone, at night, in isolation or have a mobile workplace?
Was worker provided with communication devices (e.g. cellphone) or oriented with procedures (e.g. check-in/check-out)?
Was working with unstable or violence individuals (psychological, physiological, psychiatric or substance abuse issues, or those who may react unpredictably to decision or information relayed) a regular part of the job?

Were safety rules in effect?
Were they adequate for the job?
Were they being enforced?
Was adequate supervision given?
Were the hazards previously identified? Were similar incidents reported in the past?
Had procedures been developed to overcome them?
Were unsafe conditions corrected?
Was regular maintenance of equipment carried out?
Were regular safety inspections carried out?
Were the correct up to date written work procedures available, provided, used and followed?
Was this a new or infrequent process? Was this process assessed for deficiencies or hazards?
Was there anything unusually dangerous about this particular process?
Did the tasks of other workers contribute in any way to the accident?
Had conditions changed to make the normal procedure unsafe?