ABSTRACT

In 2012 the report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) examined the feasibility of demonstrating a link between HSE activities and health and safety outcomes. It is likely, almost certain in fact, that the accident causation mechanisms are dependent on organisational maturity. By analogy it is probably true also of countries. Those companies and countries in the early stages of developing their safety management skills will have mechanisms that are different from those with more mature skills. Yet, as evidenced by the Network Rail phenomenon, fear of losing work has inhibited reporting at the working level. This fear is even the greater when the giving of particular information might mean that that information will be used against a person in a criminal prosecution. In an ideal world the resolution of difficult issues should be based on a rational reasoned examination of the arguments.