Learning from accidents - the management system

Learning from accidents really accumulates in the management system giving direction to procedures and instructions and to the way things are being done and communicated. The management system determining how work places and installations are being designed and equipment is being purchased. How work procedures are being set up, people are being trained to properly, safely, carry out their work and evaluation of the execution of critical tasks to improve procedures, retrain people etc.

Learning from accidents/incidents helps to further improve the management system while the improved management system helps to learn better from what goes wrong. The management system helps to mold the culture of the organization towards a better working environment, better communication, cost control en and sustainable profitability.

Learning from no-loss producing events

To learn from accidents with actual consequences that are unacceptable is beyond discussion. If the actual consequences are limited but the potential is there for serious loss - made visible through the risk classification system - the need to learn and take action should also be clear.

Learning can also come from looking at the no-loss producing events, the near-miss incidents or "close calls". Unfortunately, practice shows that most of those go unreported because "nothing happened". And so, a lot of valuable information to improve safety is lost. To get a better insight into those close calls, incident recall may be the technique to use.

And even without close calls, you can add to safety by using a technique called "accident imaging" which can be used even if there is no actual installation or work environment yet. A technique that can also be used in conjunction with workplace or other type inspections. Basic question: "what if?"