This free tool helps remove the guess work to quickly and accurately determine whether an incident has SIF potential (SIFp).

When an incident has SIFp, a serious injury or fatality is reasonably likely to occur if this exposure continues uncontrolled. The key word in this definition is "reasonably". Could a paper cut result in a fatality? Yes. Is it reasonably likely? No.

The SIF Potential Indicator is easy to use:

1. Identify the Exposure: Select from 15 exposure categories to identify the vulnerability involved in the incident.
2. Determine the SIFp: Answer a series of category-specific questions that help determine SIFp.

If you cannot answer all the questions confidently, you can return to the tool after you have the information needed and use it as many times as you need – at no cost.

A few tips to help you determine the exposure:

• Be Thorough: Take time to review the exposure definitions and examples. Rely on the definitions to select the correct exposure category.
• Think Critically: Incidents are often the result of a chain of events. To determine SIFp, analyze the last link in the chain that created the exposure or vulnerability. For example, if a forklift struck a rack and caused a pallet of material to fall, the vulnerability would be to the worker who was struck by a falling object. The forklift was the agent that caused the final common pathway exposure.  
• Identify the Event Energy Source: 
  • If the energy came solely from the person’s movement, the exposure will likely be Struck Against/by Personal Contact or Ergonomic Risk Factor.
  • If the incident involved any type of motorized vehicle, then the exposure will likely be Motorized Vehicle Operation or (Pedestrian) Struck by Motorized Vehicle.
  • There are three additional Struck By categories tied to specific energy sources the created vulnerability:
    • Struck by Falling/Flailing or Rolling object; projectile or load moving horizontally
    • Struck by/Contact with Stored Energy
    • Struck by/Contact with Power Tool
• Use Your Best Judgement: No set of exposure categories will be 100% inclusive nor will every incident description be clear enough to determine the final link in the chain. If you are unable to decide between two exposures, re-run the Indicator for both exposures. The most crucial determination is SIFp, not the specific exposure.
• Organizational Expertise: The Indicator reflects DEKRA’s understanding of the science and leverages our extensive experience in SIF Prevention. Your organization may take a different view based on your expertise and experience.

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Need expert support? Learn more about DEKRA’s SIF Prevention™ services