MODULE 6: EFFECTIVE INCIDENT / ACCIDENT ANALYSIS

Gathering information

The next step in the procedure is to gather useful information about what directly and indirectly contributed to the accident. Interviewing eye witnesses to the accident is probably one of the most important techniques in gathering information, but there are many other tools and techniques too.

• Of course you want to get initial statements through interviews with eye witnesses. They can give you much information about the circumstances surrounding the accident. You should tell those who you initially interview that you may conduct follow-up interviews if more questions surface.
• Interview other interested persons such as supervisors, co-workers, etc.
• You should also interview records.... what? That's right, take a look at records associated with the accident, including:
• Training records
• Disciplinary records
• Medical records (as allowed)
• Maintenance records
• EMT reports
• Police reports (rare)
• Coroner's report (fatalities)
• OSHA 300 Log (past similar injuries)
• Safety Committee records
• Take photographs of the scene.
  
• Videotape the scene.
  
• Make sketches of the scene.
• Make observations about the scene. Include measurements.

Remember you are gathering information to use in developing a sequence of steps that led up to the accident. You are ultimately trying to determine surface and root causes for the accident. It is not your job, as an accident investigator, to place blame. Just gather the facts.