Safety Management: Incident Investigation
In any workplace, safety incidents and near misses are inevitable. However, with proper incident investigation training, those incidents can be used to make the workplace safer if they are investigated, analyzed, and corrected to prevent their recurrence. This safety management course discusses reasons for incident investigations, the phases of an incident investigation, team leader responsibilities, and who comprises the investigation team. It then provides information on best practices for interviewing witnesses, determining the root cause of an incident, and corrective and follow-up actions.
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Learning Objectives
- Explain the reasons for conducting incident investigations and their importance
- Describe the three phases of an incident investigation
- Define the concept of “root cause” in incident investigations
- Outline the responsibilities of an incident investigation team leader
- Identify effective methods for obtaining factual information and avoiding blame when interviewing witnesses
- List the primary objectives of an incident investigation team
- Describe various methods for determining the causes of incidents
- Identify long-term corrective actions to prevent future incidents
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English, Portuguese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
Incident investigations are crucial for reducing employee exposure to hazards, preventing future incidents, maintaining morale, and minimizing liability. These investigations help organizations understand what went wrong and how to prevent similar occurrences.
What are the three phases of an incident investigation?The three phases of an incident investigation are the initial response, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. These phases ensure a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing the causes of incidents.
What is a "root cause?"The “root cause” is the fundamental reason for the occurrence of an incident. Identifying and addressing the root cause helps resolve the underlying issue and prevent recurrence.
What are the primary objectives of the incident investigation team?The primary objectives include gathering accurate data, analyzing facts to identify contributing and root causes, and compiling an incident investigation report that outlines findings and recommendations.
What is a useful method for determining the root cause of an incident?The “5 Whys” technique is an effective method for determining the root cause. This involves repeatedly asking “Why?” until the underlying issue is identified, helping to uncover the fundamental cause of the incident.
How can incident investigation training benefit my organization?Incident investigation training provides your team with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively investigate and address workplace incidents. This leads to improved safety practices, reduced risk of future incidents, and enhanced compliance with safety regulations.
What should be included in a comprehensive incident investigation training program?A comprehensive incident investigation training program should include detailed coverage of investigation techniques, root cause analysis, reporting procedures, and best practices for corrective actions. It should also incorporate practical examples and case studies to reinforce learning.
Sample Video Transcript
Workplace safety is a major concern to workers and their companies because there are so many ways it can be breached, often with physical, emotional, and financial consequences. As long as people work, there will be safety related incidents and near-misses. But those incidents can be used to make the workplace safer if they are investigated, analyzed, and corrected to prevent their recurrence. Investigating near-miss situations is equally important because they provide the opportunity to avoid future injuries and/or property damage. Continually improving work practices, processes and performance not only benefits the business but also helps keep you and your coworkers safe.
Additional Resources
- Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Topics – www.osha.gov/dcsp/products/topics/incidentinvestigation/
- OSHA Guide for Employers – www.osha.gov/dte/IncInvGuide4Empl_Dec2015.pdf
- OSHA eTools – www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/safetyhealth/mod4_tools_acc_inves_tools.html
- National Safety Council – www.nsc.org
- NSC Documents – http://www.nsc.org/JSEWorkplaceDocuments/How-To-Conduct-An-Incident-Investigation.PDF
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