An analysis of systemic incident investigation methodologies applied in serious injury or fatality events: A rapid systematic review

Objective

This rapid review examines studies that have applied an accident causation analysis method building upon the seminal systematic review conducted by Hulme et al. (2019).

Study design

A rapid review of the literature.

Methods

The following databases, Scopus, EBSCO, Academic Search Compete, CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PyscINFO, Business Source Ultimate, Business Source Complete, Web of Science and Science Direct were searched for articles that were published from 2019 to June 2023. Eligible studies applied accident analysis modelling to serious injury and fatalities across a variety of industries.

Results

A total of five papers met the inclusion criteria of the rapid review. The studies applied a variety of accident causation models from single large-scale accidents to multiple accident analysis originating predominately from manufacturing industries. The data continued to support the evidence of accident causation analysis models focus on errors, malfunctions, and deficiencies rather than a whole of systems approach and remained complex and difficult to interpret. Based upon the core elements of existing models and following the rapid review of the literature, a novel accident causation analysis approach called the SCALE® Process Model was introduced.

Conclusion

There is need to further explore research-based incident analysis reporting systems that can be applied across a variety of industries and disciplines. The SCALE® Process Model uses systemic techniques to provide a deeper understanding of how multiple factors contribute to the severity of an event aiding in reducing the incidence of serious injuries and fatalities.