It's clear that Alec Baldwin either lacks any type of basic firearms training or was flagrantly negligent or both. Regardless, there is no good excuse for "an accident" like this -- totally preventable.

A few basics on gun safety for those who don't know:

1. Never point the muzzle in the direction of anything you don't intend to shoot and/or kill.
2. Know what is behind your target before firing.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
4. Keep the action open until ready to fire.
5. Keep the firearm unloaded until ready to fire.
6. Keep the safety on until ready to fire.
7. Always check to see if a firearm is loaded when you pick it up.
8. Always unload a gun and open the action before handing it off to someone.
9. Ensure that the ammunition you are using is suitable for the firearm you are using and the situation at hand.

....

Now, if you've read and internalized those items above, you probably know more than Alec Baldwin about firearms safety. If you can do those things when you handle a firearm, the probability that there could be a preventable accident is low.