Evaluating effectiveness of the application of the new perspective in safety, Safety-II: by Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) in a manufacturing environment

Abstract

The risk matrix has been used by safety professionals for many years as a significant tool for hazard management, risk assessment and prioritization, and to aid in offering a proactive approach to prevent negative outcomes. However, relative risk matrix assessments do not provide enough required variety to understand the complete picture necessary in complex systems of work; it merely explains definite type of hazards and their counter measures in isolation. Moreover, application of a linear causal relationship to recognize hazards creates an extensive attention to negative outcomes and lower level of controls, limiting stakeholder involvement and cross disciplinary engagement. Question sets inspired by the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) have been applied to understand if an alternative approach offers a more effective means of risk assessment, and thus is of greater value to both the stakeholders and the organization. Only one research study has been performed to illustrate if the new methods proposed in recent years (Resilience Engineering, FRAM, etc.) are applicable in industries. Albery et al., (2016) developed a new methodology as part of his dissertation in order to study the application of the new methods in a manufacturing environment. In view of that, this research investigates whether Albery’s findings are valid within other industries.