Learning from Incidents Questionnaire (LFIQ): the validation of an instrument designed to measure the quality of learning from incidents in organisations

Littlejohn, A. , Margaryan, A., Vojt, G. and Lukic, D. (2017) Learning from Incidents Questionnaire (LFIQ): the validation of an instrument designed to measure the quality of learning from incidents in organisations. Safety Science, 99(Part A), pp. 80-93. (doi: 10.1016/j.ssci.2017.02.005)

Abstract

Effective learning is essential for a safe workplace. Through learning from incidents (LFI), knowledge is applied and embedded within the work environment in ways that can prevent future incidents. In order to improve their LFI processes, such as incident reporting and analysis, or the dissemination of investigation outputs, organisations need an instrument that allows them to diagnose the quality and effectiveness of their LFI processes, making sure that LFI leads to positive safety outcomes. This paper outlines an instrument that measures the quality of LFI processes and practices: the Learning from Incident Questionnaire (LFIQ). The LFIQ identifies employees’ perceptions and experiences of LFI processes and practices. This paper describes the validation of the LFIQ instrument via a pilot study conducted at two energy companies involving 781 participants. Through factor analysis the instrument was shown to have sufficient validity to become a useful tool for industry; by gaining insight into employees’ perspectives on LFI, frontline managers and supervisors can have evidence on which to base improvements to the local work environment and prioritise areas for improvement.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by the Energy Institute Hearts and Minds initiative.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Littlejohn, Professor Allison
• Authors: Littlejohn, A., Margaryan, A., Vojt, G., and Lukic, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Journal Name: Safety Science
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0925-7535
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1042
• Published Online: 18 March 2017
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2017 Crown Copyright
• First Published: First published in Safety Science 99(Part A): 80-93
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy