The Single Factor theory asserts what about accidents?

The Single Factor theory asserts what about accidents?

• A. Multiple factors contribute equally
• B. One event is solely responsible for an accident
• C. Human factors are irrelevant
• D. Systemic failures are required

Answer: (B)

One main factor causing an accident is the idea behind the Single Factor Theory: accidents happen because of one identifiable trigger, not a combination of issues. In this view, investigators seek the single event or condition believed to be solely responsible and implement fixes aimed at removing that trigger, with the expectation that doing so prevents recurrence. That’s why saying one event is solely responsible is the best fit. Other descriptions don’t align because they imply multiple contributing factors are at play, ignore human factors, or require broader system failures to occur, which contradicts the idea of a single root cause. Keep in mind this model is a simplification; real accidents often involve interactions among several factors, but the single-factor view helps illustrate how isolating a primary trigger can guide corrective action.

One main factor causing an accident is the idea behind the Single Factor Theory: accidents happen because of one identifiable trigger, not a combination of issues. In this view, investigators seek the single event or condition believed to be solely responsible and implement fixes aimed at removing that trigger, with the expectation that doing so prevents recurrence.

That’s why saying one event is solely responsible is the best fit. Other descriptions don’t align because they imply multiple contributing factors are at play, ignore human factors, or require broader system failures to occur, which contradicts the idea of a single root cause. Keep in mind this model is a simplification; real accidents often involve interactions among several factors, but the single-factor view helps illustrate how isolating a primary trigger can guide corrective action.