A pattern of repeat accidents or injuries by a small but statistically significant group of workers is frustrating to everyone — managers, safety pros and the employees involved. Reducing accident repetition is especially critical for organizations that are already working thin, or who struggle to be profitable.
The good news is that improvement is possible. For example, Bell Helicopter had an 82-percent reduction in accident repetition after a strategic intervention with a group of repeaters. Other organizations have seen improvements in morale and personal responsibility for safety on the part of everyone after well-implemented repeater interventions.