Accident Investigation

Jorge Castanon, Safety Consultant, FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund

An accident investigation is a detailed analysis aimed at discovering the factors that led to an accident that caused a potential injury or injuries and property damage. An accident investigation is also an effective safety measure in helping to identify causal factors connected to accidents, incidents and near-miss scenarios.

Although the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) does not have a specific standard for accident investigations as a best practice, all accidents and incidents should be investigated, regardless of severity. Near-miss incidents in which no harm resulted should also be included. Some employers create an accident investigation checklist to ensure that all areas are covered. Completing an accident investigation will be beneficial in determining safety hazards or safety training that will need to be addressed to reduce the risk of future injuries.

Accident investigations can help pinpoint underlying causes and reasons that can deter future accidents. Supervisors and safety management personnel must be notified promptly following the occurrence of an accident. The accident investigation report follows set criteria that account for different variables including date and time of accident, possible defective equipment, witnesses present, job-related duties and tasks and a comprehensive summary of all related events.

It is imperative that employers and safety staff members conduct personal interviews with the affected parties coupled with witnesses to gather comparatively reliable documentation. Interviews are not designed to assign blame or fault but rather identify the precise cause and the successive events prior to the accident. The accident investigation should focus on identifying and correcting the cause of the incident and can improve your workplace morale by demonstrating the employer’s commitment to a safe workplace for all.

The employer should follow up with the affected employee after the accident investigation has concluded to see how they are doing. If someone has been hospitalized, someone from the organization should visit the employee in the hospital. A get-well card signed by co-workers, a fruit basket or flowers will send a message that the company really cares about its employees and will encourage the employee to return to work when able.

An accident investigation is a proactive approach in preventing future similar accidents that can have dangerous consequences.

There are many websites that can assist you in putting together a good accident investigation review and provide steps in the investigation process. If you are insured with the FRSA Self Insurers Fund, your dedicated safety consultant can assist you with the actions you should take for a good safety investigation.

The FRSA Self Insurer’s Fund (FRSA-SIF) has professional safety consultants throughout the state who are willing to provide SIF members with safety training at no additional cost. To find out if you qualify for FRSASIF membership, please contact us at 800-767-3772, ext. 206 or email alexis@frsasif.com. To learn more about the FRSA Self Insurers Fund, please visit www.frsasif.com.