Conducting an Accident Investigation
Course 102
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE 7: WRITING THE REPORT

Introduction

Now that you have accurately assessed and analyzed the facts related to the accident, you must report your findings to those who have authority, accountability, and can take action (We call this the "A Person"). In this module, we'll cover the procedure for effectively reporting the facts. Perception is reality...

Never forget that your primary objective, as an accident investigator, is to uncover the causal factors that contributed to the accident. It's not your job to place blame. Your challenge is to be as objective and accurate as possible.

Your findings, and how you present them, will shape perceptions and subsequent corrective actions. If your report arrives at conclusions such as.. ."Bob should have used common sense," or "Bobbie forgot to use PPE," how effective will it be? Of course, it won't be affective at all. If your report concludes with statements such as this, it will be virtually impossible to take corrective actions that permanently eliminate the causes. It's likely that similar accidents will repeatedly occur. Bottom line: If the accident investigation doesn't fix the system, it's most likely been a waste of time and effort.

So the challenge is to report your findings in a well-thought-out manner so that management will more likely adopt recommendations for improving its safety processes, thus solving problems long-term.