In his fifth episode of SHP Safety Talks, Professor Tim Marsh, Chairman RyderMarshSharman and Honorary Professor, Plymouth University, explains Heinrich’s Principle. He explains that there has been a lot of controversy over the years as the data from Heinrich’s Triangle doesn’t seem to be a very good predictor, and that Heinrich’s Principle applies to absolutely every aspect of life.
The SHP Safety Talks are a series of small thought pieces designed to get you thinking, whist perhaps sipping your morning coffee. The SHPonline editorial team have invited key individuals from the safety world to deliver these mini-lectures, and you can expect only the most insightful, challenging and engaging threads.
If you agree or disagree with Tim’s thoughts then let us know in the comments below and we can keep the conversation going.
I think Professor Marsh’s reason is sound although I am still not convinced Heinrich’s principle is all that valuable a model. Perhaps, it is best expression is from the Hagakure Book of the Samurai (we are a service industry after all): Among the maxims on Lord Naoshige’s wall there was this one: ”Matters of’ great concern should be treated lightly.” Master lttei commented, “Matters of small concern should be treated seriously.” With an OHS lens, this means pay attention to leading work practices and workplace conditions, holding the hand rail, wearing a hard hat, doing the routine inspection, etc., which… Read more »
[…] and broken glass set the tone for breaking into cars and mugging. It’s a variation on the Heinrich principle again of course with obvious links to housekeeping, mind-set and Japanese 5 S management […]