ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

What does Accident Investigation mean?

 Accident investigation is a process of systematic collection and analysis of information

relating to a accident that led to the loss of property, time or health of individuals, or even
the loss of lives.
 Accident investigation is the scientific and academic analysis of the facts that occurred
during an accident. An investigation is conducted to identify the root cause of an accident
in an effort to make recommendations or take corrective actions to prevent the future
occurrence of the same or a similar event
 Accidents are investigated by on-scene supervisors and professional safety professionals
with experience in the related field. In some organizations, there are dedicated accident
investigators and well equipped teams to handle the aftermath of accidents. These
employees have sufficient training and experience to investigate into an accident. Some
organizations also use special templates for reporting accidents that contain root causes
and also recommendations. A worthy investigation may disclose certain contributing
factors and recommend several preventive measures.
 The prime objective of accident investigation is prevention. Finding the causes of an
accident and taking steps to control or eliminate it can help prevent similar accidents
from happening in the future. Accidents can rarely be attributed to a single cause. Work
environment, job constraints, and supervisory or worker experience can all play a part.
These factors must be examined to determine what role each had in causing the accident.
 To explain why and how an accident happened, investigators must collect information on
the events that took place before and during the event. Investigators can then determine
accident conditions by examining physical evidence and interviewing witnesses. Both of
these steps are of equal importance and should be done as soon as possible to ensure
complete accident investigation. Equally important is the need to document the steps that
were taken immediately after the accident to deal with the emergency and to begin the
investigation. It also identifies the forms to be used and the procedures to be followed
within specified time frames.

 ACCIDENT PREVENTION
In spite of their complexity, most accidents are preventable by eliminating one or more
causes. Accident investigations determine not only what happened, but also how and why. The
information gained from these investigations can prevent recurrence of similar or perhaps more
disastrous accidents. Accident investigators are interested in each event as well as in the
sequence of events that led to an accident

 FACT-FINDING
Gather evidence from many sources during an investigation. Get information from witnesses
and reports as well as by observation. Interview witnesses as soon as possible after an accident.
Inspect the accident site before any changes occur. Take photographs and make sketches of the
accident scene. Record all pertinent data on maps. Get copies of all reports. Documents
containing normal operating procedures, flow diagrams, maintenance charts, or reports of
difficulties or abnormalities are particularly useful. Keep complete and accurate notes in a bound
notebook. Record pre-accident conditions, the accident sequence, and post-accident conditions.
In addition, document the location of victims, witnesses, machinery, energy sources, and
hazardous materials.
In some investigations, a particular physical or chemical law, principle, or property may
explain a sequence of events. Include laws in the notes taken during the investigation or in
 the later analysis of data. In addition, gather data during the investigation that may lend itself
to analysis by these laws, principles, or properties. An appendix in the final report can
include an extended discussion.

In order for an investigation to be a valuable tool in accident prevention, three things must take
place:

• the information gathered must be analyzed;

• corrective action must be taken; and

• the action must be monitored for effectiveness.

Tips on How to Write a Good Accident Investigation Report?

A good accident investigation report should focus on factual details of the accident. The
objective of the report is to inform the readers with accurate information about the accident.
Below are tips you can follow in writing a good accident investigation report:

1. Avoid writing opinions - clearly detail the incident with facts and evidence.

Here is a good example:

 NO The driver of the red car appeared drunk.

YES The officer conducted a breath analysis and confirmed that the driver of the red
Toyota Vios was above the alcohol limit.

2. Attach photo evidence - to serve as visual proof of the accident

3. Provide important information - answer the following W-questions:

When did the accident occur?

Who were the involved parties?

Where was the location of the accident?

What are the details of the accident?

Why did the accident happen?

What are the consequences of the accident?

4. Validate the report - supervisors and witnesses must sign off the accident report.

Investigations
Procedures for accident investigations include the following:
• 1.Respond quickly to reinforce that loss prevention personnel are “on the job.” This will
also show employees that management cares. Ensure that the injured receive proper
medical attention.

• 2.Protect the scene of the accident to prevent unintentional or intentional harm to

evidence.

• 3.If required, contact appropriate regulatory agencies and insurers.

• 4.Find out the following: who was involved, where did it occur, when did it happen, who
was injured, what occurred, what was damaged, and how did the accident take place?

• 5.Investigate possible direct and indirect causes. Study equipment, work procedures, the
environment, and the employees involved. Is a drug test required? Yes

• 6.Maintain an open mind, remaining aware that some employees attempt fraudulent
workers' compensation claims by staging an accident or by providing false information.

• 7.Estimate injuries and direct and indirect costs.

• 8.Complete appropriate forms (e.g., company forms, OSHA, workers' compensation).

• 9.Prepare a presentation for the safety and health committee concerning the accident and
solicit feedback to solve problems.

• Musick (2016) recommends the following tools for accident investigators: camera, voice
recorder, measuring devices, flashlight, sample containers, barricade tape, and padlocks.
He also emphasizes the importance of an even-tempered personality because accidents
can be highly stressful events.