A better understanding of occupational accident genesis to improve safety in the workplace

Laflamme L., 1990. A better understanding of occupational accident genesis to improve safety in the workplace. Journal of Occupational Accidents, 12: 155–165.

In the past few decades, several models were developed to study occupational accidents. This paper classifies those models that are most often quoted in the literature into four different approaches: decisional models; sequential; energetic and sequential models; and organizational models. A conceptual frame of reference for accident analysis is then suggested. It high-lights the specific contributions of each group of models in accident research development and stresses their overlapping concepts and assumptions.

Three of these assumptions are quite determinant in accident research's orientations: (1) the distinction made between an injury and an accident; (2) the presumed existence of typical sequences of events leading to accidents — previously initiated by a deviation in a man-machine system; (3) the influence of both situational and organizational factors in accident genesis. They are discussed in sight of their potential for safety improvement in the workplace as follows. Firstly, accident analysis as opposed to injury analysis stresses preventive rather than protective measures. Secondly, the search for accidental sequences of events emphasizes the identification of features common to many accident scenarios and expands the preventive effects of safety measures. Delt with in a systemic way, this search might also lead to countermeasures that are not only aimed at adapting man to his environment but conversely, environment to man. Thirdly, appraisal of the work situation and organization mechanisms influencing the risk of accidents provides clues to preventive strategies of a long duration and a great effect on the improvement in work safety.

It is sustained that a systems approach is essential in accident research since it stresses that multi-dimensional mechanisms of influence rather than simple linear causes must be sought in order to reconstitute accidents' history. However, it is also emphasized that, by all accounts, accident research cannot assume that all preventive strategies and measures it will guide towards shall have the same impact on improving work safety.