New “What Went Wrong” Video
Have you seen the latest What Went Wrong video?
This series explores the most famous safety incidents to help us learn from the past. We upload a new entry to YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook every month.
The Smiler Crash
Thorough investigation proved it was more than human error.
After a miscommunication between operations and maintenance, the safety systems were overridden. With an empty cart stalled on the tracks, this resulted in a horrific crash that led to life-changing injuries for the four front passengers.
Instead of blaming the workers for making mistakes, Alton Towers took accountability. The company fully compensated the victims and fixed the systems that facilitated the mistakes. Watch and learn why systemic improvement is so important.
The Piper Alpha Disaster
Was Piper Alpha as simple as missing paperwork? Not quite.
Operations and maintenance did not sign off on scheduled maintenance together, as mandated by company policy. The unfollowed protocol was certainly a key causal factor, but the root causes lie deeper than one SPAC violation.
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire was disaster waiting for a catalyst.
When a fire emerged at the facility, every emergency response failed. The fire escape collapsed, the doors were inoperable, and the firefighters were completely helpless to save anyone.
How could so many different safety systems fail?
The Monongah Mine Explosion
The worst mining incident in American history was a complex consequence of several failed practices: dishonest reporting, faulty equipment, overworked employees, and much more.
Watch to review why redundancy is so critical in safety.
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Also known as “the most preventable emergency” and the “BP Oil Spill”, the environmental disaster started with skimping, but dragged on due to blame.
Let’s discuss the importance of conservative decision-making.
The Bhopal Disaster
The gas leak that injured 50,000 residents of Bhopal, India wasn’t as simple as sabotage. It was a consequence of failed safety practices, detached leadership, and inadequate safety education.
How could we avoided such a tragedy?
The Challenger Explosion
NASA’s failed launch of the shuttle was a devastating moment for millions of Americans.
And there’s more to this story than the faulty O-ring. Learn how strict deadlines can impact safety culture.
Boston’s Great Molasses Flood
Many know the tragedy of the Great Molasses Flood of 1919: a 50ft tank of molasses bursted open and wreaked havoc onto the residents of Boston.
But did you know this was entirely preventable?
The Ford Pinto’s Release to the Public
Ford’s motto,“safety doesn’t sell”, created a work culture that values profits over welfare.
Watch the video to learn why the car was nicknamed “Lee’s Car” and “The Barbecue that Seats Four”.
The Alexander L. Kielland Capsize
Due to a lack of structural integrity and emergency planning, the Alexander L. Kielland capsize was the worst disaster in Norwegian waters since World War II.
