A theory of accident causation and control, developed by Dr. William Haddon
Jr., that portrays accidents in terms of energy transference. This transfer of
energy, in large amounts and/or at rapid rates, can adversely affect living and
nonliving objects, causing injury and damage. Thus, an accident is caused by
energy out of control. The theory states that various techniques can be
employed to reduce accidents, including preventing the buildup of energy,
reducing the initial amount of energy, preventing the release of energy,
carefully controlling the release of energy, and separating the energy being
released from the living or nonliving object.