BOOKS

Useful reference sources for self-study.
Bootstrap your Safety Management System!

Managing the risk of organisational accidents – James Reason
Managing the risk of organisational accidents – James Reason
This is the book which launched the so-called "Swiss Cheese" model of safety. Another oft quoted model is that of the "Safety Space". Although this book is already quite old, much of it still applies and it is worth (re)-reading.
The field guide to understanding Human Error – Sidney Dekker
The field guide to understanding Human Error – Sidney Dekker
All too often we still see accident reports which have a conclusion of "Human Error" which reveals us exactly nothing. The basic idea of the book is "Human error is where a investigation should start, not where it should end".
Human Error – James Reason
Human Error – James Reason
Modern technology has now reached a point where improved safety can only be achieved through a better understanding of human error mechanisms. In its treatment of major accidents, the book spans the disciplinary gulf between psychological theory and those concerned with maintaining the reliabiblity of hazardous technologies. Much of the theoretical structure is new and original, and of particular importance is the identification of cognitive processes common to a wide variety of error types.
The failure of risk management – Douglas W. Hubbard
The failure of risk management – Douglas W. Hubbard
The Failure of Risk Management, by Douglas Hubbard takes a close look at misused and misapplied basic analysis methods and shows how some of the most popular “risk management” methods are no better than astrology! Using examples from the 2008 credit crisis, natural disasters, outsourcing to China, engineering disasters, and more.