The accident consequence tree method and its application by real-time data collection in the finnish furniture industry

The identification of accident consequences is of great importance in cost calculations. Various classifications of consequences have been published, but there is a need to develop them further. The Accident Consequence Tree (ACT) Method was developed on the basis of the fault tree method for calculating accident costs. With the aid of the consequence tree it is possible to identify the consequences that an accident causes to the injured person, the company and to the national economy. The consequence tree consists of 128 branches altogether. ?he ACT Method was applied to workplace accidents which were followed during the course of 12 months in 18 Finnish furniture factories of different sizes and production types. A real-time data collection system was organized. The foremen were trained to fill out the follow-up form. The foremen and injured persons were interviewed by the researchers. ?he 214 accidents registered were lost-time injuries; there were no permanent disabilities. The accidents caused a total of 4300 identified consequences according to the ACT Method, on an average 20 consequences per accident. Every accident resulted in an injury, temporary disability, future production loss, medical treatment, and loss of company productivity. Lost production time was the most notable consequence to the companies. The accidents caused 472 visits to health care centres, on average 2.2 visits per accident Two accidents led to hospitalization. As the material consisted only of temporary disabilities, this must be taken into account when generalizations are being made. Permanent disabilities and fatalities do occur and they probably cause more losses. Theoretically an accident process should include one additional phase - a consequence phase. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.