Which of the following is a leading cause of workplace accidents related to knowledge and skills?

Improper planning is a leading cause of workplace accidents related to knowledge and skills because it often reflects a misunderstanding or lack of awareness of proper safety protocols and procedures. When tasks are not effectively planned, it can lead to a failure to identify potential hazards, misallocation of resources, and inefficient workflows, all of which can increase the likelihood of accidents. Adequate planning requires a thorough assessment of the skills and knowledge necessary for each task, ensuring that employees know how to perform their duties safely and efficiently.

In contrast, while lack of interest, poor equipment maintenance, and excessive work hours can contribute to workplace accidents, they are more often associated with broader issues of employee engagement, equipment reliability, and overall workload management rather than the direct relationship between knowledge and skills to task execution and safety. Improper planning specifically addresses the structured approach needed in workflows to minimize risks, making it directly relevant to the ability to perform tasks safely.