Course content

The main focus of the course is major accidents in working life. The course includes different models explaining how such accidents can occur and how they can be prevented. Different perspectives on organizational accidents and resilient organizations are presented: energy-barrier; Normal Accident Theory, High Reliability Organizations, decision-making and conflicting objectives, flow of information, Resilience Engineering and safety culture. An important part of the course is that the combination of man-technology-organization (MTO) is a key to understanding major accident risks. Central theories in a MTO-perspective is provided in the course, including human-factors and human-technology interaction. One part of the course is focused on compliance to rules and procedures. The association between change processes and safety is also addressed. The course also addresses how societal framework conditions such as economy, technology developments and regulatory regimes influence safety management in organizations, and also how organizations adapt to changes in such framework conditions. The course content can be linked to the UNs sustainability development goal no. 8 Decent work and Economic Growth, and target 8.8 - promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. 

Learning outcome

The subject's position and function in the study: The subject should be related to TIØ4201 and TIØ4205. TIØ4201 gives a generic theoretical understanding of risk governance of all types of risks, in particular related to societal safety. TIØ4205 gives knowledge and skills about acknowledged methods and tools, rules and procedures (norms) for safety work in companies with emphasis on occupational accident prevention. TIØ4200 emphasizes an understanding and insight into how safety management is practiced in a Norwegian context. The subject is mandatory for students at the master programs MIHMS and MHMS. Knowledge: After completing the course the student will be able to: - explain why major accidents can occur - explain how major accidents can be prevented in an organization - categorize different perspectives on safety theories on organizational accidents Skills: After completing the course the student will be able to: - apply different organizational perspectives for accident analysis - assess the interplay between organization, humans and technology and its importance for safety - assess and analyze safety culture in organizations - apply holistic safety analysis in organizations General competence: After completing the course the student will be able to: - critically evaluate safety issues in society and companies

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and case-based problem-solving in groups and individually, and exercises.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Course materials

Given at the start of the course.

Credit reductions