Accident Causation

HSE TECHNICAL TRAINING

version 1, 07-JUN-2021
ACCIDENT Vs INCIDENT

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 Accident Vs Incident

Accident is an unexpected event which

results in serious injury or illness of an
employee and may also result in property
damage.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 3
Accident Vs Incident

Incident is an unexpected event or

occurrence that doesn't result in serious
injury or illness but may result in property
damage.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 4
Accident Vs Incident

INCIDENT ACCIDENT 5
Accident Causation

• It refers to the factors that are the primary reasons behind an

accident.

• For every accident that occurs, there is a cause.

• 3 main factors that results into accident:

 Human Factors
 Mechanical Factors
 Environmental Factors Source: www.hse.gov.uk 6
Accident Causation Model

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 7
Accident Causation

• Human factors includes loss of sleep, inattention or a lack of

knowledge about safety measures.

• Mechanical factors can include faulty equipment, or using

equipment other than the way in which it is intended.

• Environmental factors can include excessive heat/cold, low-light

conditions and slippery floors.
Source: www.hse.gov.uk 8
Accident Triangle

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Accident Causation

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 10
Accident Prevention

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 11
THEORIES OF
ACCIDENT
CAUSATION

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Theories of Accident Causation

• Heinrich’s Domino Theory

• Human Factor Theory
• Accident/Incident Theory
• Epidemiological Theory
• System Theory
• Combination Theory
• Behavioral Theory

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 13
DOMINO THEORY OF
ACCIDENT
CAUSATION

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Domino Theory of Accident Causation

Herbert W Heinrich, in late 1920’s studied reports of 75,000

workplace accidents and concluded:

 88% of accidents are caused by unsafe acts committed by

workers.
 10% of accidents are caused by unsafe conditions.
 2% of accidents are unavoidable.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 15
Domino Theory of Accident Causation

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 16
HUMAN FACTORS IN
ACCIDENT
CAUSATION

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Human Factors Theory of Accident Causation

Attributes accidents to a chain of events ultimately caused

by human error.

3 broad factors leading to human error:

 Overload
 Inappropriate Response
 Inappropriate Activities

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 18
Human Factors Theory of Accident Causation

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 Human Factors in Accident Causation - Overload

• Worker’s Capacity -
Natural Ability, Training, State of Mind, Fatigue, Stress

• Environmental Factors -
Noise, Climatic, Lighting, Distractions

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 20
 Human Factors in Accident Causation - Overload

• Internal Factors -
Personal Problems, Emotional Stress, Worry

• Situational Factors -
Level of Risk, Unclear Instructions, Novelty

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 21
Human Factors in Accident Causation – Inappropriate Responses

• Ignores a suspected hazard

• Disregards established safety procedures

• Circumvents safety devices

• Includes incompatibility with person’s workstation size, required

force, reach, feel

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 22
Human Factors in Accident Causation – Inappropriate Activities

• Performing tasks without requisite training

• Misjudging the degree of risk

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 23
 ACCIDENT/INCIDENT
THEORY IN ACCIDENT
CAUSATION

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Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation

Dan Petersen’s Accident/Incident Theory

3 broad elements human error:

 Ergonomic Traps
 Decision to Err
 System Failures
 Overload

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 25
Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation

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Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation - Overload

• Drugs

• Fatigue

• Alcohol

• Pressures: Deadlines, Budget

Factors & Peer Pressure

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 27
Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation –
Ergonomic Traps

• Incompatible Workstation

• Incompatible Expectations

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 28
Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation – Decision
to ERR

• Misjudgment of Risks

• Unconscious Desire to Err

• Logical Decision Based on Situation / Circumstances

• Superman Syndrome (It won’t happen to me!)

Bulletproof, Invincible, Immortal, Lucky

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 29
Accident/Incident Theory of Accident Causation – System
Failures

Potential for causal relationship between managerial

decisions/behaviors regarding safety

• Policies
• Responsibilities
• Training
• Inspections
• Corrective Actions
• Standards
Source: www.hse.gov.uk 30
 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL
THEORY IN ACCIDENT
CAUSATION

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Epidemiological Theory of Accident Causation

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Epidemiological Theory of Accident Causation

• Industrial Hygiene concerns environmental issues that can lead

to sickness, disease, impaired health.

• Studies causal relationships between environmental factors and

disease and accidents.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 33
 SYSTEM THEORY IN
ACCIDENT CAUSATION

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System Theory of Accident Causation

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System Theory of Accident Causation

• System is a group of interacting and interrelated components

that form a unified whole.

• Host (People)
• Agent (Machinery)
• Environment

• The likelihood of an accident occurring is determined by how

these components interact.
Source: www.hse.gov.uk 36
 COMBINATION THEORY
IN ACCIDENT CAUSATION

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Combination Theory of Accident Causation

• A single theory may not suit all circumstances.

• Some theories address particular problems better than other

theories.

• A combination of theories and models may be the optimal

approach toward problem solutions.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk 38
Thanks!
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