Document

Author
Paul M. Salmon, Adam Hulme, Guy H. Walker, Patrick Waterson, Elise Berber and Neville A. Stanton
Abstract
AcciMap is now arguably the most popular accident analysis method with applications across a wide range of domains; however, one limitation of the method is the absence of a classification scheme to support analysts in identifying and classifying contributory factors. This potentially limits the reliability of the method and prevents the aggregation of data when the method is used to analyse multiple incidents. In response to this, this paper presents a generic AcciMap contributory factor classification scheme that was developed based on a review and analysis of the AcciMap analyses published in the peer-reviewed literature. The classification scheme comprises seventy-nine contributory factor types spanning the standard six AcciMap system levels and is generic in nature so can be applied in any domain. To close we discuss the implications for accident analysis and prevention activities and in particular encourage other analysts to apply the classification scheme in future applications. Aggregating accident analyses across the safety critical domains is recommended as an important area for future research.