A General Classification of Accident Causes

Starting from the basic definitions in STAMP, the general causes of accidents can be identified using basic systems and control theory. The resulting classification is useful in accident analysis and accident prevention activities. 

Accidents in STAMP are the result of a complex process that results in the system behavior violating the safety constraints. The safety constraints are enforced by the control loops between the various levels of the hierarchical control structure that are in place during design, development, manufacturing, and operations. 

Using the STAMP causality model, if there is an accident, one or more of the following must have occurred  

Appropriate control actions were provided but not followed. 

These same general factors apply at each level of the sociotechnical control structure, but the interpretation (application) of the factor at each level may differ. 

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