Abstract
Purpose This study aims to explore the factors influencing electrical accidents. Here, the authors aim to understand and model the causes of electrical accidents at multiple levels. Design/methodology/approach In the study, the authors have tried to put causes of accidents in the electricity distribution segment, in the framework of the Swiss Cheese model. Delphi kind of expert survey was conducted to find the Cheese Slice (level) and the causes (holes) for electrical accidents. Inputs from a hundred experts having more than five years of experience in electrical utility companies have been used to find Cheese Slice and holes, to explain the occurrence of an electrical accident. Findings Effective training for safe work practices, safe knowledge and closer supervision would go a long way to plug the holes in the Cheese Slice in human factors. The difference in perception of managers, supervisors and workers on the importance of various causes of electrical accidents are also presented and discussed. Research limitations/implications This research is based on expert opinion and survey where respondent perception is reported. Actual accident data has not been used here. Practical implications The holes or causes of accidents at different levels (Cheese Slice) have been identified for plugging or removal for better safety. Social implications Electrical energy is widely used, and therefore, electrical safety is a social concern and also improving it is a social need. Originality/value The study contributes to electrical safety issues in the electrical utility sector.
Highlights
Accidents have been a major concern of the top management in hazardous industries
The Cheese Slices represented (Table 1) and the 26 causes or holes in the 4 Cheese Slices of the Cheese model proposed were used in the questionnaire for obtaining responses from Managers, Supervisors and workers in the survey
Conclusion and policy implications The main aim of the study was to use the framework of the Cheese model for studying electrical accidents in the electric utility sector
Summary
Accidents have been a major concern of the top management in hazardous industries. Though in earlier days the causes of accidents were always attributed to the accident zone or equipment involved, accident are understood to be having deeper and wider causes even covering practices in society and industry. Even the causes of the accident in the proximity of the site and time were not in the control of the people there but were the result of decisions taken at a different time by different persons at different places. This being the case there is a need to model accidents and bring out causes at the organization level, working environment and system level, workplace and human issues all in one model showing their interrelationship. This approach will lead to an integrated holistic approach for reducing accidents and improving safety specially related to electrical accidents
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