Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 2: DOCUMENTING THE ACCIDENT SCENE

Methods to document the accident scene (continued)

Videotape the scene.

The earlier you can begin videotaping, the better. Once company or other emergency responders are attending to the victim, begin videotaping. The video recorder will pick up details and conversations that can add much valuable information to your investigation. Just remember.. .don't get in the way.

Some important points to remember when videotaping include:

• Have witness(es) accompany and describe what happened.
• If possible, reenact the event.
• Use a tripod when taping.
• To get the "lay of the land," stand back from a distance and zoom in to the scene.
• Scan slowly 360 degrees left and right to establish location.
• Narrate what is being taped, describe objects, size, direction, location, etc.
• If a vehicle was involved, tape direction of travel, going and coming.

Before you tape, make sure your video camera is operating properly, the battery is charged, and, oh yes.. .take the cap off the lens ;-)