Measuring the quality of learning from incidents processes in the workplace

Effective learning is essential for a safe workplace. Through learning from incidents (LFI), knowledge is accumulated and embedded within the work environment in ways that can prevent future incidents. In order to improve their LFI processes, organisations need an instrument that would enable them to diagnose the quality and effectiveness of their LFI processes. This paper describes the process of developing and validating an instrument to measure the quality of LFI processes and practices: the Learning from Incident Questionnaire (LFIQ). The LFIQ interrogates and surfaces employees’ perceptions and experiences of LFI processes and practices, such as incident analysis, or the distribution of outcomes and recommendations. By gaining insight into employees’ perspectives on LFI, frontline managers and supervisors will have evidence on which to base improvements to the local work environment and prioritise areas for improvement. The paper discusses the results of the first round of validation in a large multinational company in the energy sector and indicates steps for future instrument development.