Simplicity in Safety Investigations

This book investigates over 30 major catastrophes and reveals the critical necessity of transitioning from identifying lessons to implementing actionable changes in workplace safety.

Recognising the gap between incident analysis and meaningful workplace transformation, the book advocates for a shift in mindset, emphasising practical application over theoretical comprehension. This book delivers a comprehensive framework that connects incident findings and tangible and practical workplace improvements. Building upon the works of renowned safety science thinkers, including Sidney Dekker and James Reason, the book offers insights garnered from years of industry experience, delivering a pragmatic approach that is usable in any workplace. New to this edition are two new chapters, updated content on lessons learned from investigations, and increased coverage of the process required to better understand workplace fatalities. Through investigating common drivers of disasters, from the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry tragedy to the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown, the reader will gain an understanding of what can be learned from past incidents and how that can be applied to ensure a safer future.

This second edition of Simplicity in Safety Investigations: Moving Towards Learning from Incidents is an indispensable resource tailored for those in occupational health and safety practice, including supervisors, managers, and business leaders across diverse industries.

Author Biography

Ian Long is Director of RAEDA Consulting in Perth, Australia. Building on a wide variety of roles across many industries, he has worked predominantly in the minerals extraction and processing industry for the last 30 years, with some exposure in oil and gas and the chemical industries. He has had roles ranging from Safety Advisor in an iron ore mine to Vice President of Health, Safety, and Environment for the Nickel Group within BHP Billiton. Over that period, he has facilitated 22 fatality investigations – many hundreds of lower-level but still significant investigations – and has taught thousands how to do a practical investigation within simple and complex (Incident Cause Analysis Method [ICAM]) methods. Over the last eleven years, he has run his own company, providing coaching and training in leadership and specifically in incident investigations around the world.