The Seven-Step Investigation Process
The accident investigation process we will discuss in this course will make sense if you understand that ultimately, the purpose of the investigation is to improve the safety management system.
Conducting the investigation for any other reason will likely result in ineffective solutions. In this course, we'll introduce a seven-step process for conducting accident investigations. The seven steps are:
- Secure the accident scene
- Document the accident scene
- Conduct interviews
- Conduct event analysis
- Conduct cause analysis
- Determine the solutions
- Write the report
Step 1: Secure the Accident Scene
The first step in an effective accident investigation procedure is to secure the accident scene as soon as possible so that we can accurately gather facts. At this point, you are not yet interested in what "caused" the accident. Instead, you should focus on making the accident scene secure so that you can gather as much pertinent information as possible.
To secure the accident scene, simply use yellow caution tape, place warning cones, or post a guard to keep people away.
Don't start documenting the scene until it is safe to do so. As the accident investigator, you don't want to get in the way of emergency responders. It's also not safe to start if hazards have not been properly mitigated.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-4. When should the accident investigation be initiated?
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