Systems Theory - Accident Causation

The systems theory established extremely strong relationship between system and accident. A properly functioning system may avoid accidents. The theory aims a close interaction among person (host), machine (agency) and environment. How these components interact will decide if accident would take place. The training of man to discern between situation that might result into accident and other in which job may not be done is put to test of tough decision making. A little doubt that accident may be avoided or that the job has to be done under all circumstances may be disastrous. The risk leading to accident arises not just only from decision making of worker but as well from condition of machinery whose stoppage or repair may again incur loss and personal disrepute.

The system have to be also work as a whole so that undue pressure either from peers and management does not affect decision making by a worker both for him and in respect of machinery. Firenzi had proposed this systems theory as reason of accident causation and he sum up that workers' decision to work is dependent upon job requirements, own abilities and limitations, knowledge of gains if job is completed and that of loss if not completed productively and the loss if job is not attempted. The supervisor may have to take decision on similar lines if decision is not left to the worker.