Information flow and knowledge transfer of accident investigation results in the Norwegian construction industry

Abstract

This paper examines the information flow of accident investigation results in the construction industry, and how this affects learning processes. The aim is to document the state-of-the art in the industry on information flow that follow accident investigations, and to find how accident investigation results better can be learned from and used as input for proactive safety management. A literature review was undertaken on the relation between accidents and learning. An interview study was undertaken with different actors (clients, contractors and consulting engineers) in the construction industry on accident investigations and information flow of accident investigation results. The preliminary results from the interviews are presented. Mostly, results after accident investigations are shared within a company, and there is no systematic sharing of information between companies, other than occasional sharing. Further research needs on information sharing after accident investigations are discussed.