Statistical analysis of laboratory accidents in Chinese universities from 2011 to 2021

Abstract This paper analyzed the frequency and correlation coefficient of 51 typical laboratory incidents from 2011 to 2021, and the results showed that 2015 was the peak year for accidents. March, April, and December were the months with the highest number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities, respectively. The time periods with the highest frequency, number of injuries, and number of fatalities were 10:01–12:00, 14:01–16:00, and 08:01–10:00, respectively. Chemical laboratories were the type of laboratory with the highest number of accidents. Other explosions and vessel explosions were the accident types that cause the highest average number of injuries and the highest average number of fatalities, respectively. Human factors were the main direct cause of laboratory accidents. Chi‐square analysis found that fire accidents were the predominant accident type among casualty‐free accidents and injury accidents, and vessel explosions were the predominant accident type among fatal accidents. Based on statistical analysis, this study put forward suggestions for effective prevention of laboratory accidents in universities from the aspects of university laboratory safety management institutions, safety management systems, safety management responsibilities, safety education and training and emergency drills, safety construction investment, and information monitoring platforms. It aimed to provide a reference for universities to strengthen laboratory safety.