What is an incident/accident investigation?
A tool you should be using to identify and recognize the areas responsible for unsafe conditions. It should be in writing and adequately identify the cause(s) of the incident/accident or near-miss occurrence.
Why should you conduct incident/accident investigations?
Thorough investigation of all accidents and near misses will help you identify causes and needed corrections, and can help you determine why accidents occur, where they happen, and any accident trends. Such information is critical to preventing and controlling hazards and potential accidents.
When do you conduct an incident/accident investigation?
Incident/accident investigations should be conducted immediately after an incident/accident as part of an effective injury and illness prevention program. OSHA may require employers to investigate catastrophes involving the hospitalization of one employee or more, loss of eye, loss of a limb, amputation or serious injury.
Who should conduct an incident/accident investigation?
Accident investigations should be conducted by trained individuals, and with the primary focus of understanding why the accident or near miss occurred and what actions can be taken to preclude recurrence. In large organizations this responsibility may be assigned to the safety director.