Systems Thinking in Transport Safety Report

This report, prepared for the UK Department for Transport by TRL, serves as an introductory guide to the application of systems thinking in enhancing transport safety. It is divided into three parts. The first part discusses how systems thinking can be utilized to improve safety in various transport modes, including road, rail, air, and maritime, through case studies that illustrate key concepts and theories. The second part reviews systems thinking tools currently employed in the transport sector, providing examples from literature to serve as a foundation for further research. The final part presents conclusions and recommendations regarding the selection and application of systems thinking tools. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the holistic nature of systems and the interactions among their components, advocating for a mindset shift in problem-solving approaches to enhance safety outcomes in transport systems.