The main objective of an investigation is prevention. A good investigation aims to establish a series of events that should have taken place and compares it to what actually happened to identify areas that need changing. A number of important skills are involved in conducting an effective investigation. An effective investigation can help you prevent similar incidents and future injuries. Always keep in mind that effective incident investigation means fact-finding, not fault-finding.

Overview of an incident investigation process

Select an investigation team

The type of investigation conducted depends on the seriousness or complexity of the incident, but it is best done as a team so all parties can contribute their skills and expertise to achieve the best result. Investigators are collectors of evidence and must base their conclusions on that evidence. Take the time to choose the right people to conduct the investigation. The following people should be considered for the team:

• Safety Officer/Manager
• safety representatives where they exist
• line manager/supervisor
• person/s from the worksite
• people with the relevant knowledge

Train your investigation team

Training your team in advance can help ensure your investigations are effective, your people have the necessary skills, and your people understand their roles before to being faced with an actual incident.

Investigation procedures

Investigation procedures need to be systematic. For any investigation the team should:

• act as soon as possible after the incident
• visit the scene before physical evidence is disturbed
• not prejudge the situation
• not remove anything from the scene
• enquire if anyone else has moved anything
• take photographs and/or sketches to assist in reconstructing the incident.

What to look for

Build a chain of events to identify all the causes. For the investigation to be successful it is necessary to establish the following information:

1. Events leading up to the accident

Investigate:

• the system of work being carried out and the adequacy or suitability of that system for the job
• the instructions and/or training given for the work
• any variation from instructions or standard work practices and the reasons for such variation
• the workplace conditions, such as lighting, floor surfaces, stair treads and handrails, warning signs, temperature and weather (if the incident occurred outside)
• the exact location of the incident with sufficient detail for the spot to be readily identified by others reading the report
• the materials in use or being handled
• the type of transport or equipment in use
• whether adequate supervision was provided.

2. Facts of the incident itself

Investigate:

• the state of the system and the actions that occurred at the time
• the people directly and indirectly involved
• the tools, equipment, materials and fixtures directly connected
• the time the accident or incident occurred.

3. Facts regarding what occurred immediately after the incident

Investigate:

• any injuries or damage resulting directly from the accident
• the people involved, including those rendering aid
• any problems in dealing with the injuries or damage, for example faulty extinguisher or if isolation switch difficult to locate.

4. Essential factors and causes

To conduct an effective accident/incident investigation, it is essential to look for the design, environment/work process, and behavioural components, such as plant, procedures and people, rather than trying to isolate a single cause.

i. Design components:

• Poor systems design may result in exposure to hazards such as:
• unguarded dangerous parts of machinery
• ineffective safety devices
• provision of makeshift plant, equipment and tools
• inadequate ventilation.

ii. Environmental components/work processes:

How people function in the work environment depends on what they experience in it. Environmental factors may be both physical and social. The way in which people do the job, the procedures they follow and the work process are important factors in incident investigation. Poor work process may lead to hazard exposure.

iii. Behavioural components:

Examples include misuse of safeguards, improper use of tools and equipment, disregard of cautionary notices, failure to wear personal protective equipment, horseplay and poor standards of housekeeping. Poor practices may indicate that improved communication, further training or some other action, such as supervision, are necessary

Establishing the facts

This list of questions may assist investigators to establish the facts. Note: Care must be exercised in obtaining answers to some of these questions, as the investigator could be accused of apportioning blame.