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702 Effective Accident Investigation
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The Accident Report Form

Section IV. Recommendations

If root causes are not addressed properly in Section III of the report, it is doubtful recommendations in this section will include improving system inadequacies.

Effective recommendations will describe ways to eliminate or reduce both surface and root causes. They will also detail estimated costs involved with implementing corrective actions. Review the sample Section IV. Recommendations below.

Sample recommendation that corrects surface cause

  • Conduct immediate training for all affected employees, and their supervisors, who are exposed to the high voltage line. Document all training. Estimated costs: $500.00

Sample recommendations that corrects the root cause

  • Develop and implement policy directing supervisors to conduct safety training, including demonstration, to all employees under their control. Estimated costs: $1500.00
  • Develop company safety training plan for employees and supervisors that includes safe work procedures and responsibilities while working near high voltage lines. Estimated costs: $1,000.00
  • Develop and implement an executive level safety and health education plan. Estimated costs: $500.00

Section V. Summary

This section contains a brief review of the causes of the accident and recommendations for corrective actions. In your review, it's important to include language that contrasts the costs of the accident with the benefits derived from investing in corrective actions. Including bottom-line information will ensure that your recommendation will be understood and appreciated by management.

Open Documents

The accident investigation report should be considered an open document until all actions have been completed. Below a list of documents to consider.

  • Background Information
  • Accident Description
  • Investigation Findings
    • Surface causes
    • Root causes
  • Recommendations
    • Corrective actions
    • System improvements
  • Report Summary
  • Report Submitted
    • Safety committee
    • Decision-Maker
  • Improvements Completed
    • Corrective actions
    • System improvements

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-5. The accident investigation report should be considered an open document until which of the following has occurred?