This address presents some findings of the author's extensive work on a science of safety, which will provide a starting point for a systematic and universally valid procedure on which safety technology and accident prevention can be based. Technology hides and makes potential hazards, which are greater the more technology is used. The author discusses why people mistrust technology and whether science can regulate risk. He then considers loss statistics, safety analyses, human factors, safety education and training, the role of drug-taking and medication in accidents, and ergonomics. An interdisciplinary approach to the prevention and investigation of the causes of accidents is needed, because accidents rarely have single causes and usually result from various inadequacies of the interactions in man-machine-environment systems. Human factors are the most difficult to handle, because of humanity's great diversity. Man-technology interfaces need to be designed so that, even in exceptional circumstances, ordinary people can handle the technology if properly trained. The fundamental principles of `inherent safety' and `failsafe' must always be observed. After the technology has been correctly adapted to human use by ergonomics, personnel training and education are very important. The effects of drugs and alcohol on safe practice must be reduced through genuine cooperation between managers and trade unions.
Samenvatting