Systematic Accident Analysis

(in German)

With the diagnosis of accident causes, events and disturbances as well as near misses usually only the ostensible trigger is determined. Often human error is considered a "universal cause" in the foreground. In contrast an integrated, systematic event analysis (including root-cause analysis) is designed to determine the subtle causes, in order to eliminate the roots of problems and to find sustainable solutions.

The aim of the project was to develop a guideline to apply systematic accident analyses in small and medium sized enterprises including practical examples. The guideline is based on a questionnaire study, in-depth interviews in different enterprises and a review of "best practices" as well as potential problems with root-cause analyses in practice.

The development and validation of the guideline was supported by occupational safety and health practitioners.

Please download the complete report "Systematic Accident Analysis" (in German only).

Bibliographic information

Title:  Ganzheitliche Unfallanalyse

Written by:  B. Fahlbruch, I. Meyer

1. edition.  Dortmund:  Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, 2013. 
ISBN: 978-3-88261-732-0, pages: 138, Project number: F 2287, paper, PDF file

Research Project

Project numberF 2287 StatusCompleted Project Investigation of fundamental causes of accidents, incidents and near misses (Root-Cause-Analysis) for the prevention in small and medium-sized enterprises

To the Project

Research completed