Accident causation models developed in China between 1978 and 2018: Review and comparison

As the theoretical foundation of safety science, accident causation models provide a theoretical framework of accident analysis and prevention. Accident causation theories and models form the basis for many safety research fields and practices. There are many accident causation models proposed by safety researchers. However, accident causation models proposed by Chinese scholars are not known outside China, because most of these models have been published in Chinese. A brief history of accident causation models developed in China is presented according to the timeline in this article. The rapid development of safety science and its discipline in China began in 1978, which is the beginning year of Chinese Reform and Open-up. More than 21 different accident causation models have been proposed by safety researchers in China between 1978 and 2018. According to three criteria, these accident causation models are classified into two types: general accident models and popular accident models. Most accident causation models as general models have not been applied or known since they were proposed. Five popular accident causation models are selected to be introduced in some detail and compared with other models. To some extent, these accident causation models have influenced on the government policy formulation and accident investigation.

Automated summary

This article discusses the development, classification, and impact of various accident causation models proposed by Chinese researchers. These models have had a certain influence on safety science research and government policy formulation.