A SIF precursor is a detectable condition, action, or event that signals potential exposure to a serious injury or fatality. Identifying precursors helps safety teams prioritize high-consequence hazards before severe harm occurs. A near miss can reveal a SIF precursor, but not every near miss has SIF potential.
A precursor can be identified before an injury occurs. It may involve a high-consequence exposure combined with absent or ineffective controls, such as a shared movement situation in which a person can enter an equipment path.
The concept is more specific than a general safety observation. A precursor needs a credible connection to a serious potential consequence, so its significance depends on the hazard, exposure, and effectiveness of the relevant controls.
Detection and observation can help surface candidate precursors, but the finding still needs context. Investigation should establish what could happen, which controls are needed, and whether corrective action has reduced the exposure.