1. Accident Investigations District-Wide Safety Committee Meeting
Fall 2016

2. Investigation is important to find out root cause (s) to help avoid recurrences.
Accident—an unplanned event that may or may not result in personal injury, property damage, or both
Incident—an unplanned event that, under slightly different circumstances, could have resulted in personal injury, property damage, or both

3. WHO should complete the investigation?
Immediate supervisor (but all employees must also take an active role)
Accident investigation reporting system (forms-typed)
NHCS Web siteOperations “Forms”
Know who is responsible for carrying out the process
Carrying out the process (completing and sending in appropriate forms)

4. WHEN should the investigation be completed?
FIRST…secure medical treatment for any injured person
NEXT…secure the scene to prevent additional injuries
Begin investigation ASAP
Important to gather facts while the incident is fresh in the minds of those involved
“Near Miss” incidents need to be investigated as well to help an incident not become an accident

5. HOW to complete an investigation?
Interview the injured person (if possible)
Interview witnesses
Record statements
Photos of the scene are very helpful
Diagrams (sketches) of the area may be useful

6. How to INTERVIEW?
Ask questions in NON-THREATENING/NON- ACCUSATORY manner
Ask questions that provide answers to
WHO
WHAT HAPPENED
WHY (IF KNOWN)
WHEN
WHERE
HOW

7. OSHA guidance on accident investigations:
Get preliminary statements as soon as possible from all witnesses
Locate the position of each witness on a chart (with points of reference)
Arrange for a convenient time and place to talk to each witness
Explain the purpose of the investigation (accident prevention) and put each witness at ease
Listen, let each witness speak freely, be courteous & considerate
Take notes without distracting witness

8. OSHA guidance (Continued)
Use sketches or diagrams to help the witness
Emphasize direct observation—label hearsay accordingly
Be sincere and accept what the witness is saying
Record the exact words used by the witness
Word each question carefully and be sure the witness understands
Identify the witness (name, address, position, etc.)
Supply each witness a copy of his/her statements…have the witness sign the statement
PMA Companies…Risk Control Services Technical Bulletin