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702 Effective Accident Investigation
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Doing Things Right

The primary objective of an accident investigation interview is to gather a precise and complete understanding of the events leading up to, occurring during, and following the accident.

It's all about getting an accurate and comprehensive picture of what happened: not who is to blame.

It is crucial to focus on understanding the sequence of events rather than assigning blame. To fulfill this objective, it is essential to assure the interviewee that the purpose of the interview is not to find fault but to understand what happened.

Interviewers can best convey the objective of the interview process by skillfully asking questions. Below are seven "right things to do" when asking questions during the interview.

Be sure you:

  • ask the right people,
  • the right questions,
  • at the right time,
  • in the right place,
  • in the right way,
  • for the right reason,
  • to uncover the right facts.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-2. During an accident investigation, what is the objective of the interview process?