Utilization of external accident information in companies’ safety promotion – Case: Finnish metal and transportation industry

Safety management systems emphasize the role of accident information as a requirement for continuous improvement. However, it is not clear how such information is actually applied in companies. The present study was carried out in the Finnish metal and transportation industries to determine if and how companies utilize accident information provided in external reports. There are 40–50 fatal workplace accidents in Finland annually. These are investigated and reported with the aim of preventing the occurrence of similar accidents. Among other things, the study charted how reporting should be developed. Ten recently reported cases and a total of 38 companies were chosen for the study. Information was collected using interviews and surveys. Although accident information contained in reports was found to be mostly accurate and useful, such information is rarely applied in practice. Typically, reports are utilized only as support material in safety management; usually as case-examples in accident prevention and hazard identification. There are several explanations for this low degree of implementation, such as lack of time or the perception that the information is of limited relevance. The findings of this study show that accident reporting is a useful tool in promoting safety, though weaknesses in the flow and application of information hinder its effectiveness. Improvements in the way accidents are reported could promote more active utilization of such information in companies’ safety promotion.