Introduction to Safety Science: People, Organisations, and Systems

The book explores three broad developments in safety science, focusing on the individual, organizations, and systems science, and discusses questions about organizational decision-making and failure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 08 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Safety science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the complex dynamics of human behavior, risk, and safety within various contexts. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including human error, risk perception, and the cognitive processes that influence human performance. Researchers in safety science often utilize organizations as the primary unit of analysis, examining how organizational factors such as culture, leadership, and decision-making processes impact safety outcomes.

One of the central themes in safety science is the study of organizational decision-making. Researchers investigate how organizations make decisions about safety, including factors such as risk assessment, risk management, and safety culture. They explore the characteristics that predispose organizations towards or against organizational failure, such as hierarchical structures, siloed thinking, and a lack of transparency.

To address the challenges posed by complexity and interdependence, safety science incorporates perspectives from systems science. Systems science recognizes that safety is not solely the result of individual actions or decisions but is also influenced by the broader social, economic, and environmental systems in which organizations operate. Researchers in this field use tools and methodologies from systems science to analyze complex safety systems, identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, and develop strategies for improving safety performance.

One area of research in safety science is the study of human error. Human error is a significant contributor to accidents and incidents in many industries, including healthcare, transportation, and aviation. Researchers in this field investigate the factors that contribute to human error, such as cognitive biases, workload, and stress. They develop strategies for reducing human error, such as designing user-friendly interfaces, implementing error-reduction techniques, and training employees to recognize and respond to errors.

Risk perception is another important aspect of safety science. Risk perception refers to the way individuals perceive and evaluate risks in their environment. Researchers in this field investigate how individuals make decisions about risk, including factors such as perceived risk, risk tolerance, and risk communication. They explore the factors that influence risk perception, such as individual differences, cultural differences, and social norms.

Cognitive processes play a critical role in safety science. Cognitive processes include attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. Researchers in this field investigate how these processes influence human performance, including errors, decision-making biases, and problem-solving strategies. They develop strategies for improving cognitive performance, such as mindfulness training, cognitive rehabilitation, and cognitive modeling.

In conclusion, safety science is a multidisciplinary field that explores the complex dynamics of human behavior, risk, and safety within various contexts. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including human error, risk perception, and the cognitive processes that influence human performance. Researchers in safety science often utilize organizations as the primary unit of analysis, examining how organizational factors such as culture, leadership, and decision-making processes impact safety outcomes. To address the challenges posed by complexity and interdependence, safety science incorporates perspectives from systems science, recognizing that safety is not solely the result of individual actions or decisions but is also influenced by the broader social, economic, and environmental systems in which organizations operate. By studying human error, risk perception, cognitive processes, and organizational decision-making, safety science aims to improve safety performance and reduce the risk of accidents and incidents.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032231969