Risk factors in emergency response. A review of investigations of large incidents in Norway

We present a systematic review of enquiries of large incidents in Norway from 1999 to 2008. The purpose of the review is to identify factors that affect the potential of new risks when an incident has occurred. We found that the most important factor that increases the risk level for rescue personnel and civilians are lacking acknowledgement of risks due to lack of knowledge, causing inadequate counter measures. The most critical mistakes are made during the early stages of the rescue operation, before the external expertise arrives on the scene.

Oppdragsgiver: Norwegian Research Council