“Are We Learning from Accidents?” by Nippin Anand offers a refreshing, in-depth analysis of accident investigations and how organizations can shift from a blame-centric culture to one that fosters learning and continuous improvement.
One of the book’s central themes is the need for a transdisciplinary approach to learning from accidents. Anand draws upon various fields, suggesting that accident investigations should not be confined to just technical analysis. He argues that learning emerges from relationships within organizations, where open dialogue and trust can surface hidden factors contributing to accidents.
Anand also explores the role of emotions and the embodied mind in learning from accidents. He highlights how emotions are often overlooked in traditional investigations, even though they can provide key insights into underlying issues.
Are we learning from accidents? My research into the Costa Concordia disaster and my interviews with Captain Schettino suggest not. The answer to the problem of learning lies not so much in designing fail-safe technologies and user-friendly systems as in questioning our fears, myths, beliefs, rituals, worldviews and imagination about risk and safety,
… Anand explained to SAFETY4SEA.
In challenging the concept of a ‘no-blame culture,’ Anand critiques the myth that simply eliminating blame leads to safety. He delves into why employees might not speak up about safety concerns, often due to a culture of suppression, fear, or misunderstanding. This is where his focus on doubt and embracing fallibility comes into play—an essential part of learning is accepting mistakes and uncertainty as opportunities for growth rather than signals of failure.
In the author’s own words, “When we recognise the mythical and non-rational nature of risk and safety beliefs, our focus will shift from counting and controlling hazards towards pathways that make us humble, curious, doubtful and conscious about the human ‘being’. When we begin to accept that humans are fallible, we search for better ways to humanise the risks and relate to people.”
The book’s final chapters present a practical method for learning from accidents, combining all of these themes into a structured framework that encourages genuine reflection and improvement. Anand’s unique perspective makes this book a vital resource for those aiming to understand and implement a deeper, more meaningful approach to safety and organizational learning.
Through a lived journey of dissonance, disturbance, learning and change, this book offers an alternative pathway to wisdom in risk intelligence, and a method to tackle risks in an uncertain world
… Nippin Anand offered to SAFETY4SEA
