Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 2: DOCUMENTING THE ACCIDENT SCENE

Methods to document the accident scene (continued)

Interview documents.

That's right.. .you don't just review records, you "interview" them by asking questions. If you ask.. .they will answer. Some records you might want to interview are:

• Maintenance records - to determine the maintenance history of the tools, equipment or machinery involved in the accident.
• Training records - to determine the quantity and quality of the training received by the victim and others.
  
• Standard operating procedures - to determine what the formally established steps in the procedures.
  
• Safety policies, plans, rules - to determine their presence and adequacy.
  
• Work schedules - to determine if the victim might have been fatigued or otherwise overworked.
  
• Disciplinary records - if discipline is considered justified, to determine if disciplinary actions have occurred previously.
  
• Medical records - if permission granted, or otherwise allowed, to determine potential physical/ mental contributing factors.
  
• EMT reports - to determine quality of response procedures.
  
• OSHA Form 200 - (For years up to and including 2001) and 300 Log - to determine if similar accidents have occurred previously. OSHA Form 101, First Report of Injury - to collect additional information on accident events and background.
  
• Safety Committee Minutes - to determine the history of any discussion of related hazardous conditions, unsafe behaviors or program elements.
  
• Coroner's report - to determine direct cause of injury causing fatality.
  
• Police report - to determine facts when criminal negligence is in question. Note: When criminal negligence is suspected stop the investigation and coordinate all activities with legal advisors.