Collecting human factors data from accidents and incidents

To investigate human and organizational factors in offshore accidents, two human-factors incident reporting forms were developed and evaluated. The Open Reporting Form (ORF) contained 11 open questions and the Comprehensive Reporting Form (CRF) contained 166 questions/potential causal categories. Both forms were tested on five U.K. offshore installations where personnel involved in an incident were asked to complete one. Using statistical techniques, the form with more structured questions was found to provide 66% more information than the participating company's existing reporting form. Results of the research are described focusing on potential benefits far the offshore oil industry.