Philosopher Karl Popper divided society into two systems: clocks and clouds. According to Popper, clock systems are mechanical, organized, and predictable (like a car). Cloud systems on the other hand are non-linear, unpredictable, and may hold relationships between things that are directly unrelated. When appropriate, an organization’s safety culture must be treated like the cloud system. Accidents occur and though we work to prevent errors, the reasons for their occurrence are much more messy and complex than a “mechanical” system might predict.

So when an accident occurs, who and/or what is responsible? You will learn more about cause and conditions on the next few screens.