MODULE 6: EFFECTIVE INCIDENT / ACCIDENT ANALYSIS

Plan the work...work the plan!

When a serious accident occurs in the workplace, everyone will be too busy dealing with the emergency at hand to worry about putting together an investigation plan, so the best time to develop effective accident investigation procedures is naturally before the accident occurs. The plan should include as a minimum procedures that determine and communicate:

• The purpose of the process (fix the system, not the blame!)
• Who should be notified of accident
• Who is authorized to notify outside agencies (fire, police, etc.)
• Who is assigned to conduct investigations
• Training required for accident investigators
• Who receives and acts on investigation reports
• Timetables for conducting hazard correction