barrierstyring

Barrierstyring, often translated as barrier management or barrier control, is a systematic approach used in various fields, particularly in industrial safety, occupational health, and project management, to prevent incidents and accidents. It involves identifying potential hazards and then implementing and maintaining barriers to mitigate the risks associated with those hazards.

The core principle of barrierstyring is that a single barrier is rarely sufficient to guarantee safety. Instead, multiple layers of protection, or barriers, are established. These barriers can be physical, such as fences, safety guards on machinery, or containment systems, or they can be procedural, like operating procedures, checklists, or permit-to-work systems. Human factors also play a crucial role, with training, supervision, and a strong safety culture acting as vital barriers.

Effective barrierstyring requires a continuous cycle of identification, assessment, implementation, and review. Hazards are identified through risk assessments, incident investigations, and regular inspections. Once identified, the effectiveness of existing barriers is evaluated, and new barriers are designed and implemented where necessary. Crucially, barriers must be regularly monitored and maintained to ensure they remain functional and effective. Failure or degradation of a barrier significantly increases the likelihood of an incident.

The goal of barrierstyring is to create a robust defense against unwanted events. By understanding how barriers can fail and how multiple barriers interact, organizations can build resilience and improve their overall safety performance. This proactive approach aims to prevent harm to people, property, and the environment.