Physical barrier analysis matrix

MSHA s 1988 Coal Accident Analysis and Problem Identification Instruction Guide shows how a system of classification designed to collect premium data can become an artificial template that structures not only the activity of the inspection but also the conclusions that inspectors can draw from their data. The Instruction Guide provides a set of checklists, tally sheets, and planned inquiry sheets to help inspectors categorize accidents. The classification system in the Physical Barrier Analysis Matrix (Fig. 3.1) seems to support the conclusion that physical barriers are either not possible or practical in most of the cases reported on the form—a conclusion that might exempt management from responsibility for protecting workers. Because data from such an analysis directly affects policy and procedures, classification systems can have... 

FIG. 3.1. The Physical Barrier Analysis Matrix. This document seems constructed to. support the conclusion that physical barriers are not possible or practical in most of the cases reported on the form. Source U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (1988a, p. 63). 

The PBA matrix is simply the PBA statements in a different format. Normally, many accidents will be analyzed. When this occurs, the accidents are numbered so that choices for each accident will equal four. If the example was accident number 1, then (1) would be placed in the appropriate cells corresponding to the selections that were made. In this example, a (1) would be placed in cells lA, 2A, 3C, and 4A. This now completes the Physical Barrier Analysis of one accident. A listing of the steps for a PBA that is normally followed is ... 

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