Investigation
Conducting observations, inspections, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) are valuable proactive procedures for identifying hazardous conditions and unsafe behaviors in the workplace.
Workplace Accident - True Story
While effective accident investigations might seem to be entirely 'reactive' if they focus solely on hazard correction and assigning blame. However, they can also function as a 'proactive' process if they focus on preventing future accidents by improving the safety management system. In simpler terms:
- Investigations are reactive when their purpose is to fix the hazard and the blame.
- Investigations are proactive when their purpose is to fix the system.
Near-Miss Investigation
Ensure employees always report near-miss incidents, as investigating these occurrences is a proactive process. Investigating near misses is effective for several reasons.
- Investigating near-misses is beneficial as they involve no actual injury.
- Near-miss investigations are generally less costly.
- They are proactive when preventing future injuries. A near-miss addressed today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.
The Investigation Process
Below are the seven steps typically involved in a workplace accident investigation. By following these steps, employers can identify the root causes of accidents and take corrective actions to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
- Secure the scene : Ensure evidence is untouched and preserved.
- Document the scene: Collect and record detailed information about the scene.
- Conduct interviews: Interview those involved to understand the events leading up to and including the accident.
- Develop the sequence of events: Establish the exact order of events that occurred.
- Conduct cause analysis: Identify both the surface and root causes associated with each event.
- Determine the solutions: Develop both immediate corrective measures and long-term systemic improvements.
- Write the report: Compile a report emphasizing the sequence of events, causes, solutions, associated costs, and benefits.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-7. Effective incident/accident investigations are _____ activities.
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