Disasters in technological systems are the ultimate in unwelcome surprises. In the eighties and nineties we have seen a wide range of failures with disastrous results. These events have had major negative consequences in terms of damage and disruption, even more so due to their man-made character and the consequent reasoning that man is accountable. A society should have mechanisms for preventing disasters, and for reacting adequately if major events occur. This book is about such mechanisms; how they work, why they may fail, and how they can be improved. Three passenger transport systems are analysed and compared to understand the way high-risk problems are dealt with, and the level of safety that results. This yields insights into the systems examined: roll-on/roll-off passenger shipping, passenger transport by rail, and large commercial aviation; and provides an understanding of safety problems in general. (A)
Abstract