The Safety Luck Factors

The Fortuity Elements that Influence Accident Outcomes
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-39598-0
Verlag: Taylor & Francis

Buch, Englisch, 192 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

This book draws on research and experience in occupational health and safety to address a fundamental question: what separates a near miss incident from an accident that results in injury? Through analysis of workplace events, the author proposes that fortuity and luck are the key factors determining accident outcomes. Building on the CECAL (Cause, Effect, and Control of Accidental Loss) model introduced in 2000, the book explores the three ‘Luck Factors’ that intervene in undesired events, offering a fresh perspective on accident outcomes.

This title provides the insights and tools needed to transform your perspective on workplace safety. With real-life examples, including the NASA Columbia disaster and United Airlines Flight 232, it challenges traditional safety metrics and introduces innovative concepts such as the Safety Fear Factor. It explains why measuring safety performance through injury rates is flawed, as these metrics often reflect luck rather than control. Readers will gain practical guidance on implementing proactive Safety Management Systems (SMS) to recognize, assess, and rectify near miss incidents, empowering them to prevent accidents effectively rather than relying on chance.

The Safety Luck Factors: The Fortuity Elements that Influence Accident Outcomes is essential for safety professionals, workplace managers, and anyone involved in occupational health and safety.

Zielgruppe

Professional Reference

Autoren/Hrsg.

C. McKinnon, Ron

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Finanzsektor & Finanzdienstleistungen Versicherungswirtschaft
• Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Forschung und Information Risikobewertung, Risikotheorie
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technische Zuverlässigkeit, Sicherheitstechnik
• Geisteswissenschaften Design Produktdesign, Industriedesign

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Introduction to Safety Luck Factors. 2. Accident Causation Theories. 3. The Anatomy of Accidents. 4. Exposure, Contact, Energy Exchange, and Energy Transfer. 5. The Importance of Near Miss Incidents. 6. Near Miss Incident Reporting and Risk Ranking System. 7. Near Miss Incident and Accident Recall. 8. The Safety Fear Factor. 9. Do We Measure Control or Luck? 10. Leading Safety Management Performance Indicators (Measurements of Control). 11. United Airlines Flight 232 (1989), the Vaal Reefs Disaster, the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster, and the Luck Factors. 12. The Safety Luck Factors in a Nutshell.

Über Autor(innen)

Ron C. McKinnon, CSP (1999–2016), is an internationally recognized safety professional, author, and consultant with 46 years of experience in safety research, accident investigation, and health and safety management systems, based in South Africa. He served as General Manager at South Africa's National Occupational Safety Association (NOSA) and later consulted for major organizations including BHP Copper, Zambia's copper mining industry, and Saudi Electricity Company. He holds a Master's degree in Safety and Health Engineering and has authored seven books published by CRC Press, including the bestselling second edition of The Design, Implementation and Audit of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (9781032951249). He is a retired ASSP professional member and continues as a safety culture change agent, consultant, and keynote speaker.