In-depth analysis of the causal factors of incidents reported in the Greek petrochemical industry

This paper presents a statistical analysis of all reported incidents in the Greek petrochemical industry from 1997 to 2003. A comprehensive database has been developed to include industrial accidents (fires, explosions and substance releases), occupational accidents, incidents without significant consequences and near misses. The study concentrates on identifying and analyzing the causal factors related to different consequences of incidents, in particular, injury, absence from work and material damage. Methods of analysis include logistic regression with one of these consequences as dependent variable. The causal factors that are considered cover four major categories related to organizational issues, equipment malfunctions, human errors (of commission or omission) and external causes. Further analyses aim to confirm the value of recording near misses by comparing their causal factors with those of more serious incidents. The statistical analysis highlights the connection between the human factor and the underlying causes of accidents or incidents.

► The research work is original, based on field data collected directly from the petrochemical industry. ► It deals with the in-depth statistical analysis of accident data on human–organizational causes. ► It researches underlying causes of accidents and the parameters affecting them. ► The causal factors that are considered cover four big taxonomies. ► Near misses are worth recording for comparing their causal factors with more serious incidents.