Organizational analysis: real-life case studies

In a previous article [AG 1 577] we presented the foundations of the – organizational paradigm, which is opposed to the "human error" paradigm –, and the characteristics of an associated organizational analysis method. This method complements approaches commonly used in industry (which are still focused on technical faults and human failures).

After recalling the main principles of the Organizational Analysis method, this article will illustrate its possible uses in various fields of application:

• accident investigation ;

• incident analysis ;

• Organizational safety level diagnostics, whether for an overall or partial diagnosis.

These examples demonstrate the value of this method, given the convincing results obtained, particularly in terms of the intelligibility it brings to the phenomena of safety degradation and the avenues for improvement it opens up. Another advantage lies in the flexible adaptation and use of the method, depending on the characteristics of the event analyzed, or the socio-technical situation envisaged.

The examples also highlight the importance of taking into account the words and understanding of all the players involved more or less directly in the event or situation, in addition to the objective data favored by other methods. Finally, the expertise and knowledge required to use the method are underpinned by the examples presented.