Framework for Teaching Safety Case Studies Using a Risk Management Approach

Real-world safety case studies provide concrete examples of episodes that can be both instructive and memorable for students. We describe here a framework for teaching safety case studies using the RAMP risk management approach. Structured templates guide students to Recognize the hazards present, Assess the associated risks, and consider what risk Minimization and Preparation for emergencies steps were appropriate. The student is then guided to consider what RAMP steps were, or might have been, inadequately addressed. The process culminates with a root cause analysis that examines probable causes of the incident. This guided inquiry framework allows students to gain an understanding of risk management and reiforces the importance of the decision-making process for safety. The Supporting Information for this paper includes the templates, student instruction for the four parts of the process, an instructor's guide, three examples of the process, and other resource material.