New CLUE Framework from DNV and Equinor Introduces System-Based Approach to Improve Safety and Operational Insights

New CLUE Framework from DNV and Equinor Introduces System-Based Approach to Improve Safety and Operational Insights

(IN BRIEF) DNV and Equinor have jointly introduced the Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE, a new incident classification framework designed to improve how organizations understand and learn from operational events. Moving away from traditional models that often emphasize blame and linear cause-and-effect thinking, the CLUE taxonomy uses neutral language, simplified categories, and a systems-based perspective to encourage deeper and more constructive analysis. It supports learning not only from failures but also from normal operations and successful outcomes, offering a more complete view of risk and performance. Applicable across multiple industries, the framework is built on Human and Organizational Performance and Safety-II principles, making it accessible and practical for a wide range of users. By focusing on contributing factors rather than singular causes, the approach aims to enhance decision-making, improve data quality, and foster stronger safety and operational practices.

(PRESS RELEASE) HØVIK, 17-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, working in partnership with Equinor, has introduced a new framework designed to transform how organizations interpret and learn from incidents. The system, named Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE, provides a structured yet simplified method for classifying events using neutral terminology, streamlined categories, and a systems-oriented perspective.

Across industries, incident reporting remains a critical tool for identifying risks and improving operational performance. However, many traditional classification systems rely on language that emphasizes failure and individual responsibility, often reinforcing hindsight bias. This approach can limit meaningful insights by focusing on isolated errors rather than the broader conditions that influence how work is performed.

The Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE aims to shift this perspective by redefining how incidents are analyzed and communicated. Instead of emphasizing fault, it encourages organizations to adopt a more balanced and constructive lens, enabling clearer reporting, more productive discussions, and more effective preventive actions.

The taxonomy is designed for wide applicability, covering safety, quality, and health, safety, and environment incidents across sectors such as construction, energy, manufacturing, and maritime. It also extends beyond adverse events by allowing organizations to capture lessons from routine operations and successful outcomes. By recognizing both what goes wrong and what goes right, the framework supports a more comprehensive understanding of operational performance and risk.

Prajeev Rasiah, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for Energy Systems in Northern Europe at DNV, highlighted the importance of learning as a foundation for safety improvement. He emphasized that progress depends not only on analyzing failures but also on understanding everyday work practices, noting that the CLUE taxonomy enables organizations to move away from blame-oriented thinking and toward a deeper appreciation of the factors shaping performance.

A defining feature of the CLUE taxonomy lies in its departure from conventional models in three key ways. It adopts neutral and descriptive language to minimize judgement and bias, making it easier to focus on system-level insights. It simplifies classification by reducing the number of factors, making it accessible even for users without specialized investigative training. Additionally, it replaces the notion of a single “cause” with the concept of “contributing factors,” acknowledging that incidents typically arise from a combination of interacting conditions rather than linear cause-and-effect relationships.

The development of Event Learning Taxonomy CLUE draws on principles from Human and Organizational Performance and Safety-II approaches, which emphasize understanding context, system design, and real-world working conditions rather than solely focusing on failures.

Per Henry Gonsholt, Vice President of Safety at Equinor, noted that improving learning processes is central to the company’s safety strategy. He pointed out that the CLUE taxonomy enhances the ability to communicate and interpret incidents more effectively, leading to higher-quality data and deeper insights into areas requiring attention.

Through this initiative, DNV and Equinor seek to encourage organizations to move beyond traditional blame-focused methodologies and adopt a more holistic, systems-based approach to learning, ultimately strengthening safety, quality, and overall operational resilience.

About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries, with the purpose of safeguarding life, property, and the environment. Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline, or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence. As a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful organizations, we use our broad experience and deep expertise to advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry standards, and inspire and invent solutions.

In the energy industry
DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.

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Neil James Slater
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Penda Sall
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SOURCE: DNV