Learning from Accidents

This text aims to show, by analyzing accidents that have occurred, how we can learn from them and thus be better able to prevent them occurring again. It analyzes each accident, summarizing the chain of events showing the prevention and mitigation which could have occurred at each stage.

---

This text aims to show, by analyzing accidents that have occurred, how we can learn more from them and thus be better able to prevent them occurring again. Looking at a wide range of accidents from the trivial to major disasters and covering the process industries, nuclear industry and transportation, the author analyzes each accident and summarizes each with a chain of events showing the prevention and mitigation which could have occurred at each stage. The book emphasizes cause and prevention rather than the human interest or cleaning up the mess. The Chapter on Piper Alpha is written by Brian Appleton, one of the technical assessors of the official enquiry.