(1) They are based upon the idea that any OHS incident results
from a set of interacting causes, not simply a proximal hazard
occurring at the time and place of the incident. For
example, if a HV driver is injured in a crash, that outcome
will reflect the road and traffic environment at the time
but also, perhaps, the safety features of the vehicle and, inturn, the vehicle purchasing practices of the organisation
and potentially its’ size and profitability, as well as the driver’s
skill and professional attitude and in turn the company
selection and training practices. In addition it might reflect
the company’s prioritisation of safety as reflected in work
scheduling or incentives for drivers to work unsafely and
the communication of safety information to drivers, as well
as a range of other factors not directly linked to the road
incident. That is, although a truck driver on the road is
remote from a company site, the driver’s safety can nonetheless
be affected by a range of management and work practices
that are not immediately involved in the crash.
(2) A systematic approach can be taken to manage these factors
to reduce the risk of OHS incidents