Course content

The subject presents principles and methods for the identification and analysis of accident risks and for the development and implementation of effective counter-measures through experience feedback and learning. It focuses on the prevention of occupational accidents, but examples from applications in the fields of major accidents and accidental environmental pollution are also discussed. A theoretical part of the subject deals with accident theories and models, barrier philosophies for accident prevention and feedback and learning mechanisms within an organisation. Organisational and individual obstacles to an efficient learning from experiences on accidents and errors are highlighted. The subject presents and evaluates methods and tools in the areas of accident and near-accident reporting and investigations, workplace inspections, HSE information and decision support systems, HSE performance monitoring and methods for job safety analysis and risk assessments of machinery. Auditing methods are emphasised and practised. A module deals specially with human factors and safe behaviour in complex socio-technical systems.

Learning outcome

The course will give knowledge of methods and tools for systematically and efficient preventive SHE-work in industrial organisations.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, colloquium, and term papers including field work. The education will be given in Norwegian or English dependent on participation of international students. General lessons and exercises including writing term papers based on field studies. Portfolio assessment is the basis for the grade in the course. The portfolio includes a final written exam (80%) and term papers (20%). The results for the parts are given in %-scores, while the entire portfolio is assigned a letter grade. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Term assignments

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The subject is compulsory for students at the master programme of Safety, Health and Environment. Other students can apply to the department to participate. Reserved students at SHE.

Course materials

U. Kjellén: Prevention of Accidents through Experience Feedback, Taylor og Francis.
Lecture notes.

Credit reductions