Investigation of barriers and safety functions related to accidents

摘要

A new approach to investigating accidents has been developed and tested. In any such investigation, barriers and safety functions related to an accident or near-accident are identified and classified. The method is described, and a case study of an incident at an electricity distribution company is used to illustrate the type of results obtained. One finding was that a large number of safety functions failed in relation to the incident. In particular, the analysis indicated low efficiency of functions related to higher organisational levels. Another experience was that people and work groups quickly obtained an intuitive understanding of the safety function concept, and its practical application.