Citation

Kontogiannis T, Leopoulos V, Marmaras N. Int. J. Ind. Ergonomics 2000; 25(4): 327-347.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The complexity of modern industrial systems has prompted the development of accident analysis techniques focusing on specialised aspects of the system. Although it is difficult to find a single technique that would integrate the different types of analysis (e.g. event analysis, human error analysis, and causal factors analysis), accident analysis techniques should provide appropriate input to others investigating complementary aspects of the system. To fulfil this requirement, this article proposes a taxonomy of criteria for the assessment and revision of system engineering techniques that have been applied to accident analysis. The proposed criteria are illustrated in the context of three techniques, i.e. fault trees, sequentially Timed Events Plotting, and Petri Nets. The Piper Alpha incident has been selected as a case study to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of the three accident analysis techniques. Extensions of the notation of these techniques are suggested in order to generate appropriate information for the analysis of human errors, error recovery paths and causal factors at the workplace and organisational levels.Relevance to industryAccident analysis techniques are essential in learning lessons and preventing similar unfortunate events in future. Advances in human error research provide useful opportunities for improving the effectiveness and usability of these techniques. A set of assessment criteria are proposed to provide a basis for further developments in accident analysis techniques.