Using as references some conceptual contributions from social sciences and ergonomics, this article search to systematise social and qualitative aspects which are considered important in the analysis of causes of accidents in complex technological systems with emphasis in the context of chemical industry. The limits of usual methods of risk identification and estimation of probability are showed from the characterisation of complex technological systems and their risks. The necessary overcome accidents analysis is indicated, particularly in countries as Brazil in face of its social, economic and institutional characteristics which make more complex the prevention and control of these industrial risks.
accident analysis; industrial accidents; complex technological systems; chemical industry