Interim Report - Introduction - EASA

INTERIM REPORT – OPTIONS FOR CHANGE
EASA.2009.OP.21
4.2 Options to improve the collection and analysis of safety data
With reference to the known safety data, as shown in Attachment A, and the Heinrich
occurrence triangle in Figure 1, it is clear that little is known concerning the “unsafe acts”
connected with de-icing / anti-icing. This conclusion can be reached because despite there
being a regular rate of related accidents, there does not appear to be any data originating
from employees of de-icing / anti-icing service providers concerning their personal errors,
slips and oversights, or the hazards and threats they face on a daily basis. Yet based on the
number of accidents, we can only assume that many unsafe acts occur on a regular basis.
The fact is, we just do not know.
Figure 1: Heinrich Occurrence Triangle (source FAA)
Therefore, the collection of this safety data from de-icing / anti-icing operatives is essential in
assisting organisations and regulatory bodies highlight those areas of greatest risk and to
direct their risk mitigation measures and resources appropriately. As de-icing / anti-icing
service providers are unregulated, the necessary change in reporting culture will require
either a voluntary programme of education, promotion, and participation; or, regulated bodies
such as operators and/or aerodromes, to demand such a change within their contracts with
service providers. Each of these activities will, in all likelihood, require support in the form of
expertise, facilitation, education and promotion material. Such support can be made
available from within the industry and/or from regulatory bodies. Such a task may be even
more challenging, and take longer, than was the case during the changes in the safety
culture within maintenance organisations some time ago. However, under the Human
Factors banner, many maintenance organisations nowadays enjoy a high reporting rate
amongst employees and this data is shared for the benefit of the whole industry. Difficulty in
implementation should not be a deterrent to attempts at changing the status quo concerning
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