Ten Pathways to Death and Disaster: Learning from Fatal Incidents in Mines and Other High Hazard Workplaces

regulation and socioeconomic policy. If you are new to this field or could do with a reminder, Quinlan’s critical review of the research literature on workplace hazards and safety management theories helpfully summarises years of research in one chapter. After that introduction, Quinlan’s investigations into mining incidents form the basis of his further analysis of the “pattern failures” common to these incidents. The premise of the book is that pattern failures leading to catastrophic incidents are not unique to mining but can be identified in other workplaces. Examples of these pattern failures include design flaws, ignoring warning signs, economic pressures compromising safety and failures in regulatory oversight. The book identifies types of failure that should form a critical checklist for organisations trying to address lowfrequency high impact events. Quinlan also highlights the complex interaction of these pattern failures and several underlying risk factors. Ten Pathways to Death and Disaster is a relatively small book, densely packed with valuable insights. The book is not written for lawyers — in fact, lawyers are mentioned only as potential impediments to an effective and thorough incident investigation. However, clients in hazardous industries and anyone interested in work safety management or regulation will find it a compelling read. Elissa Steel, WorkSafe ACT, Access Canberra Ten Pathways to Death and Disaster: Learning from Fatal Incidents in Mines and Other High Hazard Workplaces