Motivation to Gain Approval and Attract Attention Even  though  you’re  normally  cautious,  you  may use hazardous practices if you find the people around you use and approve of such practices. Some of your coworkers may do this because of a need for recognition and status. This is especially true if they are the type who  receive  more  criticism  than  praise  because  their normal  work  habits  are  poor  and  hazardous.  Such people  may  seek  recognition  by  driving  recklessly, drinking  excessively,  ignoring  standard  operating procedures, acting impulsively, disobeying orders, and showing  off.  While  these  actions  may  satisfy  their immediate  need  for  recognition,  they  also  threaten mishap prevention efforts, and maybe your life. Motivation to Express Resentment Many   mishaps   occur   because   of   immature, irresponsible, or insubordinate behavior. This happens if you or a coworker becomes angry or resentful, and try to strike out at or get even with someone, such as your supervisor. MEDICAL FACTORS THAT CAUSE MISHAPS Medical   factors   such   as   illness,   physical impairment,   alcohol   abuse,   fatigue,   and   motion sickness,  can  cause  mishaps.  These  factors  are frequently   associated   with   either   a   high   tempo   of operations  that  prevents  proper  rest  and  nourishment  or with events carried over from a recent return from leave or  liberty. Illness Your ability to work safely is sometimes affected by  illness  or  the  side  effects  of  medicine.  Temporary illness like colds, flu, dizziness, heat stress, and nausea can weaken your physical abilities. They can either reduce your strength, stamina, and coordination,  or  disrupt  your  concentration,  mental alertness,  memory,  and  reasoning  ability.  These  side effects  of  medication,  such  as  drowsiness,  sluggishness, and  lack  of  coordination,  can  sometimes  lead  to mishaps. Physical Impairments Any  pre-existing  physical  impairment,  such  as  a lower back injury, a slipped disc, or a hernia, may make you more susceptible to mishaps.  Mishaps can also stem from   visual   and   hearing   defects.   Common   visual problems   include   color   blindness,   faulty   depth preception,   farsightedness,   and   nearsightedness. Hearing defects cause mishaps if they prevent you from hearing  instructions  or  a  warning  signal. Alcohol  Abuse Some people think alcohol is a stimulant. Nothing is  farther  from  the  truth.  Alcohol  is  a  chemical depressant. It acts as a general anesthetic for the parts of the brain that suppress, control, and inhibit thoughts, feelings,  and  actions.  Alcohol  typically  impairs  your judgment,  gives  you  unrealistic  confidence,  slows  your coordination,  and  degrades  your  performance.  These effects are present whether you feel them or not. It’s these  effects  that  cause  the  risk-taking  type  of  behavior that can lead you to unsafe acts that cause mishaps. Fatigue Fatigue  is  not  an  all-or-nothing  factor.  It  begins when you start a task, and it increases as you continue to perform the task. At some point during the task, fatigue can become great enough to impair your performance. It can decrease your work output, change your attitude, and   reduce   your   motivation   to   observe   safety precautions. But long before this happens, fatigue will decrease your awareness and reflex actions. It’s at this point where mishaps can occur. The following are some symptoms  of  fatigue: Lower  quality  of  performance Irritability Impatience Forgetfulness Confusion Higher  number  of  errors The following are some frequent causes of fatigue: Hard work, long hours, and lack of sleep. Environmental stress, such as heat, cold, noise, inadequate lighting, and vibration. Boredom and monotony. Change   in   routine.   Suppose,   for   example, you’re accustomed to working days and sleep- ing nights. If you switch to working nights and 1-7