Description

The Systemic Occurrence Analysis Methodology is a comprehensive process for analysing data collected as part of a safety occurrence investigation, and for generating logical findings and recommendations.

SOAM is one of a number of accident investigation methodologies based on the Reason Model of organisational accidents. The purpose of a systemic occurrence analysis methodology is to broaden the focus of an investigation from human involvement to include analysis of the latent conditions deeper within the organisation that set the context for the event.

Such an approach is consistent with the tenets of Just Culture in which people are encouraged to provide full and open information about how incidents occurred, and are not penalised for errors. It should also be noted that a truly systemic approach is not simply a means of transferring responsibility for a safety occurrence from front-line employees to senior managers. A consistent philosophy must be applied, where the investigation process seeks to correct deficiencies wherever they may be found, without attempting to apportion blame.