Traditional accident prevention is often based on analyzing a series of events that collectively lead to an accident.

Typically, the focus is on failures in physical factors, management decisions and lack of skills. This approach reflects a fundamental risk appetite, where choices are made based on an understanding of when to take chances.

Many companies use the "iceberg model" where it is assumed that dealing with
enough near misses can prevent serious accidents in the future. While this model has its advantages, there is uncertainty about its ability to effectively
prevent accidents if the focus is solely on past incidents.

The problem with this approach is that it often relies on common denominators that are not the real causes of serious accidents. For example, statistics often show falls from heights or "slips, trips and falls" as the biggest problems, but these are superficial symptoms of deeper issues.

The root cause of serious accidents is often found in the company culture and the
risk appetite that employees and managers exhibit. This is where the critical circumstances arise.

We are now working with Eskild Sørensen, a heavyweight in safety performance to
shed light on how company culture and decision-making processes influence risk management and safety practices. The goal is to create a stronger link between culture and prevention so that risk is managed proactively rather than reactively.