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Power of Accidents: The Social and Psychological Impact of Accidents and the Enforcement of Safety Regulations

NCJ Number
127156
Journal
British Journal of Criminology Volume: 30 Issue: 4 Dated: (Autumn 1990) Pages: 423-443
Author(s)
B M Hutter; S Lloyd-Bostock
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
In Britain, the Inspectorates of the Health and Safety Executives are notified of work accidents ranging from minor to catastrophic.
Abstract
Approximately 5 percent of these accidents are investigated with a view to possible enforcement action. Drawing on empirical data on the Factory, Agricultural, and Railway Inspectorates, the social and psychological impact of accidents on the work of safety inspectors is discussed. Accidents have an impact not only on the inspectors themselves, but also on employers, the workforce, and the public. Reactive enforcement following accidents has important advantages over proactive enforcement. Important resources may be diverted to health and safety improvements as a result of an accident. However, responses to major accidents and disasters may consume extensive resources at the expense of other safety enforcement activity. 9 references and 2 tables. (Author abstract modified)

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