Citation

Kjellén U. J. Occup. Accid. 1984; 6(1-3): 117-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A thorough understanding of the role of deviations in accident causation improves the possibilities of a systematic feedback control of accidents in production systems in operation. A systems variable is classified as a deviation when the variable takes values that fall outside a norm.A statistical model of relations between deviations and accidents is presented. Results of a review of empirical research on these relations and on the collection and use of data on deviations in accident control are discussed.It is concluded that certain types of deviations are valid indicators of the risk of accidents in the context of the production systems in which they occur. The practices inside companies for accident and near-accident reporting and for safety inspections do not provide reliable and comprehensive data on deviations needed for accident control. There is thus a need for development and improvement of these practices in order to utilize the full potential of the information on hazardous deviations that is available at workplaces.