Link between Industrial Accidents and Technological Innovation - Coursework Example

Industrial Accidents (Name) (University) Industrial accidents Abstract The advancement in technological innovation, notably in the engineering profession has been met my numerous challenges. Industrial accidents rocked the very foundation of engineering principles, ethics, and management. This subject has debatably received significant attention given its consequences in the wider society. While, an engineering profession contends the various technological aspects linked to industrial accidents; others advocate its relation to behavioural functions. The aim of this paper is twofold, to present an in-depth analysis of industrial accidents with respect to the engineering profession. This paper uses various research, theories, case studies and ethical underpinnings, linked to industrial accidents. Contents 1.0 Introduction 4 Industrial Accidents 4 2.0 Causes of Industrial Accidents 4 2.1 Unsafe Working Conditions 5 2.2 Human Attributes 5 2.3 System Failure 6 3.0 Engineer’s Prediction/Prevention of Industrial Accidents 7 4.0 Acceptable Industrial Accidents 7 5.0 Learning from Mistakes 8 6.0 Engineers and making the World Safer 8 7.0 Competencies 10 8.0 Challenges 10 9.0 Recommendation 10 10.0 Conclusion 11 References 12 Industrial Accidents 1.0 Introduction An ever increasing mechanization, sophistication, and electrification have made industrial operation increasingly complicated. This has increased the propensity of danger to human life through the occurrence of possible accidents. Recent years has witnessed increased industrial accidents given the huge number of mega-projects. Evidently, divergent causes surmount to the occurrence of such accidents. Nevertheless, previous years has witnessed catastrophic accidents resulting in a major impact both on the workers and the environment. Various investigations showcase divergent causes of industrial accidents; both due to human failure and design in failure. The Piper Alpha accident which killed over 160 people, for example, was caused by an accumulation of questionable decisions and errors. Most of the issues were attributed to the organization’s structure, culture and procedures (Buck, 2011; Shrivastava, 2013). As such, human actions and decisions are a major contributor of such basic occurrence. Organizational factors such as flaws in design guidelines and design practices, management mistakes, misguided priorities among others are contributory factors to industrial accidents. Such incidences underline the importance of industrial safety (Shrivastava, 2013). Industrial Accidents While the definition of industrial accidents is broad, it is simply an uncontrolled sudden and unexpected in the industry which affects the orderly progress in work (Buck, 2011). Thus, it is an unplanned and uncontrolled event in response to an action or reaction. Industrial injury, therefore, is conceptualized as a personal injury to an employee caused as a result of the accident that may arise in the course of work functions. Consequently, industrial accidents are different with respect to the degree and level of injury. An accident that causes death or lasting disability is known as major accident. An accident that does not render the employee disabled is referred to as ‘minor accident. 2.0 Causes of Industrial Accidents More often than not, industrial accidents are inevitable given the relative complexity of issues surmounting to their occurrence. A number of aspects contribute to the occurrence of industrial accidents. In this respect, event based model and system theory approach attempts to distinguish the causes of industrial accidents. Leveson’s (2009) “event-based model” is based on simplicity and erroneous ideas regarding humans and the man-made system functions. It argues that non-events contribute to the occurrence of industrial accidents. This model presupposes that industrial accidents occur as a result of the unexpected relationship between components in a perfectly functioning system. 2.1 Unsafe Working Conditions Unsafe working conditions are a primary cause of industrial accident (Cooper, 2014). These conditions are linked to tools, equipment’s machinery, defective plants and materials used within the facilities. Tentatively, industrial accidents occur due to control failure that is attributed to a number of reasons (Buck, 2011). These include failure to identify the actual hazard failure to specify appropriate constraints for known hazards, failure to execute control actions, failure of the engineers to control actions and insufficient or lack of feedback. 2.2 Human Attributes Human incompetence can be catastrophic (Cooper, 2014). Evidently, in a working environment human workforce are tasked to address management functions within the company that ultimately oversees the effective functioning of industrial processes. Inadequacy of monitoring systems implies a questionable management performance. If workers function in accordance with moral principles set within the company, then they can be morally reliable. Various accident reports advocate that almost 80 percent of industrial accidents are as a direct result of human error. Data collected showcases the contribution of human errors in industrial actions; i. 26 % of the maintenance malfunctions ii. 50 -65 % of electrical equipment accidents iii. 81 % of production errors in numerous companies iv. Over 80 % of air traffic systems errors v. 18-52 % of U.S Air Force missile programs (Cooper, 2014). Although some accidents are inevitable through poor plant layout, little training, poor process flows design and ignorance of outlined procedures, human shortfalls is the most prevalent causal factor. The types of human errors are summarized below: i. Action errors: In the case when either no action is taken or a wrong action is taken ii. Retrieval errors; occurs when information is needed, either through reference source or human memory and is not well communicated. iii. Transmission errors; when information is wrongly conceived at different operation levels iv. Diagnostic errors: A misinterpretation of information v. Decision Errors vi. Checking errors: Error emanating from system evaluation Leveson’s (2009) systems theory of moral failure asserts that industrial accidents can be as a result of management incompetence. Simply put, accidents can result from human actions (for instance, an error due to lack of information or failure of skills). Human errors have significantly contributed to the occurrence of accidents in various sections. A worker could underperform when undertaking systems evaluation or appropriate procedural approaches when handling machinery or systems. An investigation by NTSB of the Continental flight 3407’s crash, for instance, was attributed to human error within the crew’s incompetence. Accordingly, systems theoretic approach best describes the causes of such accidents. Unsafe acts, on the other hand, are major contributors to industrial accidents. This is realized through; i. Using Equipment without Authority ii. Making inappropriate safety devices iii. Failing to follow safety measures iv. Working in unsafe conditions v. Inappropriate usage of equipment 2.3 System Failure The system theory identifies two types of failures namely system failure and component failure. Evidently, component failure occurs in the case when the components function deviates from its programmed functions. The operational failure of these attributes is eminent in the case when the performance deviates from the set principles. Systems failure are inevitable, since, human engineers design machineries, hence they are subject to critical failure. More often than not, most individual components in a system are set to functions together. Hence, a subsequent malfunctioning of components may affect the overall operation of the systems. Although not all component failure directly result to machine failure, a significant percentage of such changes lead to accidents. 3.0 Engineer’s Prediction/Prevention of Industrial Accidents An engineer can effectively prevent the occurrence of industrial accident through different approaches. An effective way to control a hazard is at its source. This is achieved through engineering control systems, contrary to other operation systems. From an engineer’s point of view, it is possible to design non-perfect systems, where there is a non-zero probability of a systems failure (Ephorty, 2012). The basic concepts that support engineering control system is that, the working environment and the work itself should at all time be designed to eliminate accidents or reduce exposure to the accidents. Therefore, engineers play a significant role in the prevention of industrial accidents by creating safe systems with the main objective of the system being prevention of accidents. From the systems theory, control is associated with lack of constraints imposed on the system design and operations – engineers can evaluate the systems and prevent system malfunctions caused by such features (Leveson, 2009). Engineers can enhance communication and information sharing at different operational levels. 4.0 Acceptable Industrial Accidents Different standpoints are used in determining when an accident is acceptable or tolerable in any situation. Accidents may not necessarily emanate from negligence or unwarranted practices (Freeman et al., 2011). They can result from well-intentioned workers that miscalculated the system or identify the problem linked to their outcome of actions. Additional industrial accidents can result from honest mistakes; the kind of accidents that are inevitable. The term industrial “accident” tends to represent some of the ill intent and advocates that the underlying actions may have resulted from a subsequent misjudgment, rather than intentional. A factor that differentiates the deliberate actions leading to industrial accidents is probability. Most procedures and rules are created to impact a high-probability accident and effects that have high potential harshness (Leveson, 2011). This explicates why many organizations whose safety are advancing find their accident under lower-probability grouping. It appears logical to believe that the outcome will be constant in cases of future happenings, in the event that the workers have taken numerous risks before without cases of injury. Compliance, on the other hand, affects the conceptualization of accepted industrial accidents. Safety behaviors integrated as rules, regulations and procedures are no longer referred to as discretionary. In this respect, workers are compelled to follow such rules. Events arising from unintentional violation are unacceptable since it indicates a high level of carelessness, disrespect, and disregard. An industrial accident that falls below an arbitrary defined fraction of the total disease burden in the community is acceptable (Shrivastava, 2013; Hunter & Fewtrell, 2012). An industrial accident that does not burden the society with respect to its resultant consequence is acceptable. As such, a number of contributory factors support these facts. For instance, industrial accident that can be mitigated effectively without adverse consequences, are acceptable. Evidently, the level of the accident should fall below the arbitrary figure stipulated by the general community, for it to be considered acceptable. 5.0 Learning from Mistakes As an important aspects of various processes, learning from mistakes offer a hands on experience on pertinent issues. As such, better response to situations can be modelled. Through mistakes, workers can learn and document in areas of weakness (Cooper, 2014). Having a concrete understanding of one’s failures, improves the individual’s approach to issues. Reviewing precedent mistakes is another fundamental lesson that workers learn throughout the process (Cooper, 2014). The idea of confronting precedent mistakes is imperative in solving the most commonly repeated mistakes resulting to accidents (Cooper, 2014; Paul, 2013). For most tenaciously held beliefs, it might be a necessary stage that requires intervention. Confronting one’s mistakes aids in establishing the real cause of the mistake and find workable solutions. Contrariwise, early establishment of a commonly repeated mistake is imperative in stopping the future repetition of the mistake (Paul, 2013). Although learning from mistakes are imperative in the development of feedback. Simply put, feedback is instrumental in any workplace setting given the need to evaluate various operational aspects of a given profession. Through feedback, appropriate techniques are used in this respect. 6.0 Engineers and making the World Safer Various questions and different assumptions are raised concerning engineers making the world safer while considering the paradigm shift from traditional equipments to more complex and modern equipments (Ephorty, 2012; Paul, 2013). Engineers encounter challenges with dynamic technological changes, reduced ability to learn from new features, changing nature of accidents, and the existence of more complex relationships between humans and autonomous systems. The uncertainty between safety and reliability is problematic for engineers. Engineers focus on assumptions believing that safety is increased by increasing system reliability (Leveson, 2011). Arguably, if systems work efficiently, then the world is a safer place. The assumption is pervasive and cannot be relied on. The role played by humans in creating errors that ultimately result in fatal accidents has increased; presenting a challenging situation for engineers (Cooper, 2014). Protecting human life is imperative given that humans are indispensable in operational functions. In this respect, engineers play an imperative role in making life safer. From modeling engineering systems, constructions and operation, humans function in all aspects that pertain to the development (Cooper, 2014). Throughout the work functions, engineers need to oversee that workers are subjected to proffered working environment. This implies that the employees are offered appropriate working tools and working gear, to name a few. It is important that engineers ensure that such aspects are fully addressed given the demand expected in the field. The considerations of such operational tools are significant in improving functions and employee workability in the environment (Cooper, 2014; Paul, 2013). The introduction of complex machineries introduces new accidents, which are difficult to investigate, to necessitate the need for a qualified workforce. The inclusion of non-qualified workers may hamper or endanger the lives of the general public and other employees, in general. It is the engineer’s role to ensure that skilled labourers are involved in engineering projects (Cooper, 2014). Using employed skilled laborers implies that a strict code of operation will be adhered to where appropriate communication thrives. As such, it is imperative that regular drills are conducted, under the engineers. Success is attributed to the use of event chain models of causation. The System- Theoretic Accident Model and Process is a model developed in the engineering sector with its focus on accident causation (Leveson, 2009). It is an effective methodology that engineers can use in preventing accidents through creation of prevention techniques that focus on prevalent constraints. The system advocates designing a control structure, physical system and operating which will inhibit constraints Designing operation systems are an important work function for engineers. In this respect, engineers need to develop systems that are well attuned to the operations systems in a manner that conforms to their operation capabilities. Viewing the systems holistically and ensuring that appropriate designs are used is instrumental. Having software’s which are consistent with workability with the requirements significantly improves a machine’s efficiency. 7.0 Competencies i. The research has offered an in-depth analysis of applications useful in mitigating industrial accidents as they occur; rather an effective approach through various case studies. ii. The importance of workplace management is paramount; thus, a clear understanding of ethical and professional accountability has been realized. Evidently, I have come to term with the need to adhere to strict rules and code of conduct, as well as, equipping the workers with appropriate working equipment in various operations and functions. 8.0 Challenges i. Accessing reports on various industrial accidents was problematic; however an in-depth analysis of internet sources was used in obtaining available material. ii. Accessing engineering professional was increasingly problematic given that a considerable number of experienced engineers work in marginal fields of operation. iii. Integrating various reports and drawing sound conclusion was problematic given voluminous reports offered online. 9.0 Recommendation Conformance to strict regulations and rules are an important aspect of any profession. It is, therefore, advised for the engineers to uphold a high level of respect and conformance to such regulations. These regulations are indispensable since they dispel an organization’s functionality with respect to different operational management and level of reporting. Tentatively, it is important that ethical conformance is maintained throughout the practice, which governs ethical decision-making which extensively reduces human errors. Training is an important process of human resource. Training the workforce on the possible occurrence of different accidents plays a mediating role in improvement response to industrial accidents. Replicating possible industrial actions, through industrial training, equips the workers on the preferred approach that considerably reduces the loss of human life. Contrariwise, training on the usage of various industrial machineries and equipments is important since it equips workers with necessary skills in better handling operational machinery. Stringent laws need to be formulated with respect to industrial operation and employee management. The inclusions of such laws promote accountability and responsibility among the engineers hence carelessness are avoided at all cost. 10.0 Conclusion Industrial accidents present various challenges to the engineering profession. Arguably, a number of possible causes of industrial accidents are twofold: systems failure, human attributes, and unsafe working conditions. These aspects contribute to the occurrence of the industrial accident to a certain degree, where, human errors are articulated as the most compelling reason for the occurrence of industrial accidents. It is evident, however that dissimilar attributes showcase the acceptability of industrial accident in different situations namely; the level of effect of the society, compliance and probability. Tentatively, lessons learned from previous accidents, are advocated as an important process since it offers a platform for reflection which improves the response to accidents. Engineers play an important role in preventing industrial accidents through various approaches. Firstly, they are responsible for ensuring equipments are well placed among the workers. Secondly, their involvement in product design is instrumental since they are tasked with ensuring the appropriate functionality of these systems. Through appropriate evaluation of systems, the propensity of machine failure is considerably reduced. Whether industrial accidents occur as a result of either human or system error, it is important that an engineer creates a platform where human life is preserved from harmful effects. References Cooper, B. B. (2014). The Science of Failure: Why Highly Successful People Crave Mistakes. Accessed from https://blog.bufferapp.com/why-highly-successful-people-crave-failure-and-mistakes Ephorty. (2012). A Real Paradigm Shift for Designing Safety into Modern Complex Socio- technical Systems. Engineering a Safer World: Systems Thinking Applied to Safety Freeman, R. E., Stewart, L., & Moriarty, B. (2009). Teaching business ethics in the age of Madoff. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning. Accessed from: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF8&q=http://www.changemag.org+/Archives/Back+Issues/November+December+2009/full-teaching-business-ethics.html Hunter, P. R., & Fewtrell, L. (2012). Acceptable Risk. Accessed from http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/iwachap10.pdf Leveson, N. (2011). Engineering a safer world. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Leveson, N. G. (2009). Engineering a safer world: Systems thinking applied to safety. Aeronautics and Astronautics and Engineering Systems Division, MIT Shrivastava, P. (2013). Preventing Industrial Crises: The Challenges of BHPAL. Accessed from https://training.fema.gov/hiedu/downloads/ijems/articles/preventing%20industrial%20crisis%20the%20challenges%20of%20bhopal.pdf Paul, M. A. (2013). Learning from Mistakes is Harder Than we Think. Accessed from http://ideas.time.com/2013/04/29/learning-from-mistakes-is-harder-than-we-think/ Read More

Industrial Accidents While the definition of industrial accidents is broad, it is simply an uncontrolled sudden and unexpected in the industry which affects the orderly progress in work (Buck, 2011). Thus, it is an unplanned and uncontrolled event in response to an action or reaction. Industrial injury, therefore, is conceptualized as a personal injury to an employee caused as a result of the accident that may arise in the course of work functions. Consequently, industrial accidents are different with respect to the degree and level of injury.

An accident that causes death or lasting disability is known as major accident. An accident that does not render the employee disabled is referred to as ‘minor accident. 2.0 Causes of Industrial Accidents More often than not, industrial accidents are inevitable given the relative complexity of issues surmounting to their occurrence. A number of aspects contribute to the occurrence of industrial accidents. In this respect, event based model and system theory approach attempts to distinguish the causes of industrial accidents.

Leveson’s (2009) “event-based model” is based on simplicity and erroneous ideas regarding humans and the man-made system functions. It argues that non-events contribute to the occurrence of industrial accidents. This model presupposes that industrial accidents occur as a result of the unexpected relationship between components in a perfectly functioning system. 2.1 Unsafe Working Conditions Unsafe working conditions are a primary cause of industrial accident (Cooper, 2014). These conditions are linked to tools, equipment’s machinery, defective plants and materials used within the facilities.

Tentatively, industrial accidents occur due to control failure that is attributed to a number of reasons (Buck, 2011). These include failure to identify the actual hazard failure to specify appropriate constraints for known hazards, failure to execute control actions, failure of the engineers to control actions and insufficient or lack of feedback. 2.2 Human Attributes Human incompetence can be catastrophic (Cooper, 2014). Evidently, in a working environment human workforce are tasked to address management functions within the company that ultimately oversees the effective functioning of industrial processes.

Inadequacy of monitoring systems implies a questionable management performance. If workers function in accordance with moral principles set within the company, then they can be morally reliable. Various accident reports advocate that almost 80 percent of industrial accidents are as a direct result of human error. Data collected showcases the contribution of human errors in industrial actions; i. 26 % of the maintenance malfunctions ii. 50 -65 % of electrical equipment accidents iii. 81 % of production errors in numerous companies iv.

Over 80 % of air traffic systems errors v. 18-52 % of U.S Air Force missile programs (Cooper, 2014). Although some accidents are inevitable through poor plant layout, little training, poor process flows design and ignorance of outlined procedures, human shortfalls is the most prevalent causal factor. The types of human errors are summarized below: i. Action errors: In the case when either no action is taken or a wrong action is taken ii. Retrieval errors; occurs when information is needed, either through reference source or human memory and is not well communicated. iii. Transmission errors; when information is wrongly conceived at different operation levels iv.

Diagnostic errors: A misinterpretation of information v. Decision Errors vi. Checking errors: Error emanating from system evaluation Leveson’s (2009) systems theory of moral failure asserts that industrial accidents can be as a result of management incompetence. Simply put, accidents can result from human actions (for instance, an error due to lack of information or failure of skills). Human errors have significantly contributed to the occurrence of accidents in various sections.

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