Progress in understanding processes underlying occupational accidents on the level based on case studies

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to further the knowledge of contexts surrounding accidents on the level in occupational situations with a view to proposing suitable actions for the prevention of these accidents. The study, undertaken at three establishments belonging to a national rail transport company, was based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of accident-on-the-level data available at the establishments concerned, typology of these accidents, interviews with victims and activity analysis. Understanding accidents on the level through building scenarios makes it possible to consider the relevance of prevention actions, such as workplace or environmental design/remediation and machine access system design. Moreover, it also makes it possible to consider curtailing the injury-causing aspect of the physical environment by reducing its ‘aggressiveness’. Finally, the prospects emerging from this work in the research field are discussed.

Keywords:

• Injury prevention
• Occupational accident
• Accident on the level
• Balance

Acknowledgements

This work was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the French national rail transport company. The authors extend their warmest thanks to this company and, in particular, to its many representatives, without whom this work could not have been performed. The help of company managers involved in safety and that of employees interviewed were especially appreciated.