Fatal Accidents: How Prosperity and Safety Are Linked

Erscheinungsjahr 2009
ISBN: 978-1-84569-530-9
Verlag: WOODHEAD PUB

Buch, Englisch, 144 Seiten, Format (B × H): 163 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 354 g

Accidents are generally regarded as unexpected events that do not fall into any regular pattern. Such is not the case. Analysis of the historical records of accident mortality rates in general, and specifically in industry and transport, shows that they diminish with the passage of time in an ordered fashion, although we are not consciously aware of this fact.In his challenging book Fatal Accidents, the author, in order to explain this paradox, proposes a model of human behaviour in which the reduction in fatal accident rates results from a development of skill, such that the population becomes progressively more adept at avoiding mishaps. Such changes are subconsciously and collectively regulated by the population concerned - for example, by drivers in the case of road transport - and are made possible by advances in science and technology. A similar model is applicable to the reduction of general mortality rates, to economic growth and to population growth. The future cannot be predicted, but at present safety is improving at a satisfactory rate.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Lancaster, J. F.

Fachgebiete

• Wirtschaftswissenschaften Betriebswirtschaft Bereichsspezifisches Management Arbeitsplatz, Arbeitsschutz, Gefahrstoffschutz
• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Technik: Allgemeines

Inhaltsverzeichnis

How fatal accidents happen; Fatality and loss rates in transport and industry; Mortality from all causes; Economic growth; Analysing historical data: Characteristics and methods; Some outstanding questions.

Über Autor(innen)

John Lancaster is the respected author of Engineering Catastrophes, now in its third edition. In his working life he was concerned as a metallurgist with the fabrication and operation of process plant, mainly in the hydrocarbon processing industry. Since his retirement he has made a study of accidents, the conclusions of which are to be found in this book.