The success factors for the implementation of the Zero Accident Vision

Status:

completed 07/2015

Aims:

The aim of this research project was to attain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to successes with promoting safety and preventing accidents in companies that have adopted a "Zero Accident Vision" (ZAV). Special focus was on ZAV commitment, safety communication, safety culture and safety learning, as well as on the identification of good practices and major challenges of companies that have implemented ZAV. Understanding the mechanisms that underlie the success of ZAV is of great interest to the German Social Accident Insurance, and for companies that take safety seriously, whether they are already committed to ZAV or not.

Activities/Methods:

The study used a "mixed methods" research approach. Quantitative methodologies (questionnaires) were used to generate data from a broad selection of 27 ZAV committed companies in different settings (sectors and 7 European countries, 8.819 respondents). Qualitative participative methods were used for giving meaning (interpretation) to these data, and for a better understanding of the underlying processes and factors. The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods generates added value as it will generate complementary insights. With the systematic generated quantitative and qualitative data, we established an exploratory model for the success of the Zero Accident Vision, and made the link between successful industrial (ZAV based) practices and the existing body of knowledge, especially with theories of safety culture, communication and learning.

Results:

The findings of the PEROSH ZAV Survey, particularly the (very) high scores on ZAV commitment found in all 27 companies strongly support the notion that ZAV is a sound basis for a commitment strategy for safety. It was found that ZAV is closely embedded in the organisations’ strategies. Companies that implement ZAV are serious in their strategies and practices to improve safety, and realise that it is an on-going effort. However, ZAV is not the same as "traditional good accident prevention with goal Zero". In conclusion, ZAV is the basis for inspiring and innovative approaches to improve safety, as well as for the implementation of more traditional safety practices.

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