Abstract
Safety management systems emphasize the role of accident information as a
requirement for continuous improvement. However, it is not clear how
such information is actually applied in companies. The present study was
carried out in the Finnish metal and transportation industries to
determine if and how companies utilize accident information provided in
external reports. There are 40–50 fatal workplace accidents in Finland
annually. These are investigated and reported with the aim of preventing
the occurrence of similar accidents. Among other things, the study
charted how reporting should be developed. Ten recently reported cases
and a total of 38 companies were chosen for the study. Information was
collected using interviews and surveys. Although accident information
contained in reports was found to be mostly accurate and useful, such
information is rarely applied in practice. Typically, reports are
utilized only as support material in safety management; usually as
case-examples in accident prevention and hazard identification. There
are several explanations for this low degree of implementation, such as
lack of time or the perception that the information is of limited
relevance. The findings of this study show that accident reporting is a
useful tool in promoting safety, though weaknesses in the flow and
application of information hinder its effectiveness. Improvements in the
way accidents are reported could promote more active utilization of
such information in companies’ safety promotion.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 802-814 |
| Journal | Safety Science |
| Volume | 46 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- Accident reporting
- External information
- Safety promotion