The Haddon Matrix is a framework used in injury prevention and public health to analyze and develop strategies for reducing harm from injuries. It was developed by Dr. William Haddon Jr., a pioneer in injury epidemiology.
Structure of the Haddon matrix-
It consists of a 3 × 4 table, where:
The columns represent phases of an injury event:
• Pre event – Factors influencing the likelihood of an incident occurring.
• Event – Factors affecting the severity of the injury during the incident.
• Post event – Factors that influence recovery after the injury occurs.
The rows represent different domains of influence:
1. Human Factors – Characteristics of the individual (e.g., behavior, knowledge, skills).
2. Vehicle/Equipment Factors – The role of physical objects involved (e.g., car safety features, medical equipment).
3. Environmental Factors – External conditions (e.g., road design, emergency response systems).
4. Social/Economic/Policy Factors (sometimes included) – Laws, policies, and societal influences.
Example: Haddon Matrix for Road Traffic Injuries-
|
Phase |
Human (Driver) |
Vehicle/Equipment |
Environment |
|
Pre event |
- Fatigue - Intoxication - Speeding |
- Brakes - Seat belts - Airbags |
- Road design - Traffic signals |
|
Event |
- Reaction time - Seatbelt use |
- Crashworthiness - Crumple zones |
- Roadside barriers - Crash cushions |
|
Post event |
- First aid knowledge - Ability to call for help |
Vehicle stability |
- Emergency medical - Hospital access |
Application of the Haddon matrix-
The matrix is widely used in injury prevention, disaster management, and public health planning to systematically analyze risk factors and design interventions. It is particularly useful in road safety, workplace safety, and disaster preparedness strategies.