Managing accidents using retributive justice mechanisms: When the just culture policy gets done to you (February 2020)

Summary

How people are treated following their involvement in a workplace accident can have far reaching implications for both the individual and the organisation. This paper, published by Science Direct, examines the impact the use of retributive justice mechanisms within the accident analysis process have on both the individual and the organisation. It analyses the perceptions of those involved in five accidents where retributive justice mechanisms were used.

The study of these cases shows retributive justice mechanisms used as part of the accident analysis process negatively impacts three key areas; (1) the mental health of the individual; (2) organisational learning and; (3) organisational performance. The study also illustrates that the language used as part of the accident analysis has a significant impact upon the perception of the process and the willingness to participate.

Content

Key points

• Language influences the perceptions of the accident process.
• The use of punishment can be harmful to individuals.
• Punishment does nothing to help achieve future safety.
• Accident analyses are not independent from the organisation politics.