Actor-Network Theory for Safety Science: Reassembling Social and Technical Elements

Abstract

Recent studies suggest challenges in developing safety science: broadening perspectives and methodologies for sociotechnical work comprehension and incentives so that the complexity effects can be analyzed with greater depth and safety research can become politically oriented in its models. This study explores the contributions of Actor-Network Theory as a methodological resource to reassemble human and non-human elements in safety science research, especially when considering the dynamic reality, variability, and uncertainty characteristic of complex sociotechnical systems. In light of the theoretical aspects of the Actor-Network Theory, such as controversies, political ontologies, and enactment, we discuss possibilities for the cartography of controversies in safety science studies. The discussion contributes, thus, with new methodological connections to research in safety science, exploring associations and new positions among different realities in the field.