Multilevel learning from accidents – Case studies in transport

Substantial efforts have been devoted to accident investigations, but do we gain a reasonable benefit from these efforts? The current study explores multilevel (individual, company, sector/trade, authorities) learning from major accidents and serious incidents. Specifically, this involves identifying a set of learning criteria, i.e. factors or indicators that potentially support and contribute to multilevel learning processes. Identifying such criteria is based on: (i) the accident investigation process, (ii) the follow-up efforts, and (iii) contextual aspects. Three Norwegian accident investigations in transportation (aviation, marine, rail) represent the empirical foundation for the study. Learning criteria were derived by both document analyses from the accidents (e.g. investigation reports) and literature reviews on organizational learning. These were the basis for a workshop regarding learning from accidents, with participants from the aviation, marine, and rail sector. Key results from this workshop are presented and discussed. The study concludes by presenting a set of criteria for learning from accidents.