Lessons learnt from horse-related human fatalities: Accident analysis using HFACS-Equestrianism.

Area of Science:

• Human-horse interaction safety
• Accident analysis in equestrianism
• Risk mitigation strategies

Background:

• Many equestrian injuries and fatalities lack in-depth analysis for future prevention.
• The inherent danger of horse sport is often cited, hindering proactive safety measures.
• Human-horse interactions present unique complexities compared to other high-risk activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze data from horse-related human fatalities to identify lessons for safer interactions.
• To investigate underlying causes of fatalities using a validated accident analysis framework.
• To inform future health, safety, and welfare advancements in equestrianism.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Australian National Coronial Information System (NCIS) data (2000-2020).
• Inclusion of 50 human-horse related fatalities.
• Application of the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System-Equestrianism (HFACS-Eq) framework.

Main Results:

• Falls accounted for 56% of fatalities, primarily causing blunt force trauma (96%).
• Horses were identified as the causal factor in 90% of fatalities.
• HFACS-Eq analysis highlighted environmental factors and non-technical skills (communication, supervision, leadership) as critical.

Conclusions:

• Environmental context and non-technical skills are crucial for accident causation and prevention in equestrianism.
• Understanding risk factors and implementing mitigation models enhances human safety and horse welfare.
• Safer human-horse interactions are achievable through comprehensive accident analysis and targeted interventions.