Health and safety

Need to know

What you need to know

• Heinrich's Domino Theory suggests a simple, linear cause-and-effect chain for accidents.
• Reason's Swiss Cheese Model provides a systems framework, viewing accidents as a result of multiple, interacting failures.
• Latent failures are hidden weaknesses in an organisation's defences (e.g., poor design, inadequate training).
• Active failures are the unsafe acts committed by front-line personnel (e.g., slips, mistakes).

Explanation

Health and safety

1. Heinrich's Domino Theory suggests a simple, linear cause-and-effect chain for accidents.
2. Reason's Swiss Cheese Model provides a systems framework, viewing accidents as a result of multiple, interacting failures.
3. Latent failures are hidden weaknesses in an organisation's defences (e.g., poor design, inadequate training).
4. Active failures are the unsafe acts committed by front-line personnel (e.g., slips, mistakes).