Citation

Cuvelier L, Bencheckroun H, Morel G. Cogn. Technol. Work 2017; 19(1): 13-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10111-017-0404-8

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Causal-tree methods such as root cause analysis (RCA) are the oldest and the most widespread methods used to analyze the causes of adverse events. They are often seen as essential prerequisites to risk control. Over the last few years, however, a number of limitations of RCA have been pointed out. Starting from the limitations currently identified and from our own occupational health and safety specialists' experience, we have developed a new perspective for the analysis of accident causes, called constructive cause analysis (CCA). CCA is part of a tradition of activity-focused ergonomics. It posits that safety is mostly based upon the skills of individuals, at both operational and organizational levels, and it also leads to identifying positive elements in the analyzed situation. In line with the historico-cultural theory of activity, CCA serves the dual objectives of knowledge and action: the modifications found in CCA are based upon the confrontation of knowledge. The purpose of this article is to describe CCA. A case study from our own interventions illustrates the method.

Language: en