Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 4: ANALYZING THE ACCIDENT PROCESS

Why accidents happen

Multiple Cause Theory

This explanation takes us beyond the rather simplistic assumptions of the single event and domino theories. Once again, accidents are not assumed to be simple events. They are the result of a series of random related or unrelated acts/events that somehow interact to cause the accident.

Unlike the domino theory, the investigator will realize that eliminating one of the events does not assure prevention of future accidents. Removing the sharp edge of a work surface does not guarantee a similar injury will be prevented at the same or other workstation. Many other factors may have contributed to an injury.

An accident investigation will not only recommend corrective actions to remove the sharp surface, it will also address the underlying system weaknesses that caused it.