Safety, Culture and Risk
The Organisational Causes of Disasters
By: Andrew Hopkins
About This Book
Safety management in the workplace is an issue of critical importance to business managers as well as those responsible for OHS in any organisation.However, although the concepts of safety, culture and risk have become increasing matters of concern and are often discussed, they are concepts that are not often clearly understood.This new book from Professor Andrew Hopkins focuses on these concepts, and deals with the complex issues in a clear, informative style that will both inform organisations and companies, and assist them to be better able to create safe environments for their employees and clients, and to mitigate risk.Content:The first three parts of the book advocate the development of risk-awareness. Part 1 is a general discussion of organisational culture.Part 2 is an empirical investigation of how organisational culture affects safety, using the Glenbrook train crash as a case study.Part 3 is a second case study of how organisational culture interfered with safety, focussing on the F111 inquiry at Amberley Air Force Base, Queensland.Part 4 is an extended discussion of the concept of risk, dealing with issues such as the assumption that risk can be objectively measured; the current view that risk is a product of likelihood and severity; the conflict between "acceptable risk" and "as low as reasonably practical" ; the tendency of risk management to become risk spreading rather than risk reduction; and the confusion between risk and hazard.Oxford University Press Australia & New Zealand is the non-exclusive distributor of this title.?
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Safety, Culture and Risk" by Andrew Hopkins
Key Themes
The book "Safety, Culture and Risk" by Andrew Hopkins explores the critical concepts of safety, culture, and risk within organizational settings. It delves into the organizational causes of disasters, aiming to inform and assist businesses in creating safer environments for their employees and clients. The book covers a range of themes, including:
- Safety Management: The importance of safety management in the workplace, emphasizing its critical role for business managers and those responsible for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).
- Organizational Causes of Disasters: A detailed examination of the human and organizational factors that lead to disasters, such as the Gulf of Mexico blowout, the BP Texas City disaster, and the Esso Gas Plant explosion.
- Risk Mitigation: Strategies for mitigating risks and creating safe environments, drawing from case studies and theoretical frameworks.
- Cultural Aspects: The role of organizational culture in shaping safety practices and the importance of mindful leadership and collective awareness in preventing accidents.
Plot Summary
The book is structured around case studies and theoretical insights. It includes chapters on:
- QRAs (Quantitative Risk Assessments) and ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable): These chapters provide practical guidance on assessing and managing risks in a way that is both theoretically sound and practically applicable.
- Disastrous Decisions: A detailed analysis of major accidents, such as the Gulf of Mexico blowout, to understand the human and organizational factors that contributed to these disasters.
- Lessons from High Reliability Organizations: Insights from organizations known for their high reliability, highlighting best practices in safety management.
- Managing Major Hazards: Strategies for managing and mitigating major hazards in various industries.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews for its clarity and informative style, making it accessible to both theoretically inclined practitioners and practically minded scholars.
Goodreads Reviews:
- Scott Lines: "An easy to read and solid book that explores various concepts on safety, culture and risk. This includes a chapter on QRAs and ALARP which is particularly relevant in today's safety environment." (5 stars)
- Stephen Jarman: "A good job reviewing various process disasters (accidents) in the framework of Mindful Leadership, Collective Awareness, and other aspects outlined in chapter 1." (4 stars)
Publisher Description:
- The book is praised for its clear, informative style, which assists organizations in creating safe environments and mitigating risks.
Additional Information
- Author Background: Andrew Hopkins is a well-published author with 60 books to his credit, indicating his expertise in the field of safety and risk management.
- Publication Details: The book is available for purchase at $64.99 AUD and has been published by a reputable source, indicating its credibility and reliability as a resource for safety professionals.
Overall, "Safety, Culture and Risk" by Andrew Hopkins is a comprehensive and insightful book that provides valuable insights into the organizational causes of disasters and strategies for improving safety management practices.