The aim of the study was to determine the typical features of tasks in which accidents occur. The study was based on the hypothesis that work hazards do not themselves cause accidents but that certain task characteristics have a significant effect upon the probability of accidents.
Tasks in the metal industry were observed for 3 months. Both the task and the working conditions involved were described for every accident that occurred in certain factories. The tasks performed in randomly selected workplaces of the same factories were also described.
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