Gap Analysis of Accident Investigation Methodology in the Indian Mining Industry - an Application of Swiss Cheese Model and 5-Why Model

Abstract

Workplace accidents are investigated mainly for the purpose of identifying the causes that contributed to the occurrence of the accident and thereby providing recommendations to prevent recurrence of such accidents. The human factor has always been a critical element in the accident causation model applied in various industries. However, it is equally important to identify other parameters like task environment, task conditions, organizational culture and other organizational factors that influence human behavior in most of the cases. In this paper, an effort has been made to discuss some of the investigation models used for identification of root causes leading to an incident or accident. This paper highlighted the gaps in the investigation procedure in the Indian mining industry where too much focus is being given to human error and contravention of the health and safety statute application to mining activities. The authors emphasized the importance of using suitable investigation methodology for investigating into Indian mining accidents. A case study accident has been presented to highlight the necessity of using suitable accident investigation methodology like Swiss Cheese Model for identifying root causes of such accident. Keywords - Ecology, accident investigation, mining industry, human factor, task environment, organizational factors, investigation model, India