ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a framework for the collection and analysis of data on accident risks. It also applies this framework in a review of variables and classification systems used in the collection and analysis of data on accident risks. This analytic framework helps to define the start and the end of the accident sequence. The chapter also borrows aspects from the different accident models - especially from the process model, the energy models, and the system models. It further applies a diagnostic process in identifying causal factors in an accident investigation. The US Department of Energy identifies three types of causal factors - direct causes, contributing causes, and root causes. An early example of a causal factors checklist that has had significant influence is Swain's (1974) checklist on human-performance-shaping factors. It is human factors-oriented and lists factors that affect the quality of human performance and thus the likelihood of human errors.
