Human and Organisational Factors in Major Accident Prevention: A Snapshot of the Academic Landscape

Abstract

This document describes selected findings of a study undertaken in early 2016. The study was intended to enhance understanding within TOTAL E&P Research and Development of the role of human and organisational factors (HOF) in major accident prevention. This document focuses on a core element of this study which provides a succinct examination of the body of academic work on the subject of HOF in major accident causation and prevention. In the wider study, this analysis provided the foundation on which subsequent work was based, namely the identification of lessons identified in other high-hazard sectors - specifically nuclear and aviation - and an examination of oil and gas sector approaches to major accident prevention. However, this report focuses exclusively on the academic landscape and does not include an analysis of industry approaches. The research presented in this document is intended to provide a brief introduction to HOF approaches in academia and should be of interest to industry professionals seeking to build or strengthen academic partnerships, as well as academics specialising in human factors research. RAND Europe is an independent not-for-profit policy research organisation that aims to improve policy and decision-making in the public interest through research and analysis. RAND Europe’s clients include European governments, institutions, non-governmental organisations and firms with a need for rigorous, independent, multidisciplinary analysis.