Which item would not be listed as an unsafe act on a job site?

• A. Failing to follow instructions
• B. Making safety devices inoperable
• C. Servicing equipment while it is energized
• D. Poor housekeeping

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is the distinction between unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Unsafe acts are actions taken by workers that create risk, while unsafe conditions are problems in the environment or equipment that increase risk but aren’t actions by a person.

Failing to follow instructions is an unsafe act because it’s a deliberate action by a worker that bypasses or ignores established safety guidance. Making safety devices inoperable is also an unsafe act since it involves directly tampering with protective systems. Servicing equipment while it is energized is another unsafe act because it involves performing work in a live, hazardous state.

Poor housekeeping, on the other hand, describes the state of the workspace—clutter, debris, or disorganized areas—that can contribute to slips, trips, or other hazards. It’s an unsafe condition, not an action taken by a person. While it certainly elevates risk and should be corrected, it isn’t an unsafe act itself.