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702 Effective Accident Investigation
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702 Effective Accident Investigation

Preparing for the Interview

During this phase of the interview process, your first task is to determine who to interview.

This interviewer is sitting at a desk with a open laptop prepared for the next interview
Prepare so that you'll better know what to ask in the interview.

You will need to tailor your questions to fit the interviewee. Each interview will be a unique experience. Interviews should take place as soon as possible, although they typically don't occur until things have settled down a bit.

Below are some individuals you may want to consider interviewing:

  • The victim: To ascertain the immediate events leading up to and including the accident.
  • Co-workers: To establish the variance between actual and appropriate procedures being used.
  • Direct supervisor: To gather background information on the victim, including procedural details about the task performed, training, workload, scheduling, and available resources.
  • Manager: To obtain information on related operational and safety management programs/systems.
  • Training department: To gather information on the quantity and quality of training received by the victim and others.
  • Personnel department: To acquire information about the work history, discipline, and appraisals of the victim and other employees.
  • Maintenance personnel: To determine the background regarding corrective and preventive maintenance.
  • Emergency responders: To learn about their observations and actions when responding to the accident.
  • Medical personnel: To obtain medical information (in accordance with the law).
  • Coroner: A valuable source for determining the type and extent of fatal injuries.
  • Police: If they filed a report.
  • Other interested persons: Anyone with an interest in the accident may provide valuable information.
  • The victim's spouse and family: They may offer insights into the victim's state of mind or other work-related issues.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-4. Who would you ask, during an accident investigation interview, to determine the actual vs. the appropriate manner in which a task is being performed?

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