Our empirical research into incident investigations and causal analysis has reinforced our understanding that a systems thinking approach is needed to identify and analyse system interactions and systemic causal factors. We realised that we needed a model to explore the connections between people, technology and organisational systems and the incidence of workplace accidents. After years of evidence-based practice, we partnered with the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) of Federation University who reviewed accident causation literature and models from single large-scale accidents to multiple, and longitudinal accident analysis.

Their research continued to support the evidence that accident causation analysis models focus on errors, malfunctions, and deficiencies rather than a whole of systems approach and remained complex and difficult to interpret. Based upon the core elements of existing models, our own practitioner experience and following the review of the literature, we have continued to refine the models of SCALE®.

SCALE® is a unique, step-by-step methodology designed to understand the why of an incident and determine what actions to take. It employs a structured approach to prioritize incidents with the greatest potential for severe outcomes, focusing analysis on those that matter most. Starting withunderstanding the basis of critical control failures, SCALE® then delves deeply into the human factors contributing to incidents, moving beyond surface-level issues like inattention or carelessness. It also examines upstream factors that create the conditions for incidents to occur. By addressing these elements, SCALE® facilitates the development of impactful corrective actions that enhance control effectiveness.