Accident Investigation vs. First Report of Injury

Whats the difference? Benefit of Accident Investigations Investigative Actions Four Steps of Investigation Whats on the Agenda?

Whats the difference? Accident Investigation (Action) –Fact finding/Immediate Response –Improvements/Solutions –Preventing reoccurrence First Report of Injury (Documentation) –Mandated by the state –Completed by appropriate staff member –Time constraints

Whats the Benefit! Preventing future injuries. Priceless!

What is Accident Investigation? One Primary Goal: Prevent Reoccurrence!

Investigative Actions Which accidents should be investigated? All of them This allows management an opportunity for improving the current safety conditions! Does this include Near Misses?

Investigative Actions When should an accident be investigated? As soon as possible Facts will be clear and interest high! Shows a concern for the injured worker.

Investigative Actions Who should make the investigation? The supervisor of the department/area This will help in making immediate changes! Ultimate responsibility rests on management.

Investigative Actions How should the investigation be conducted? Create steps, have a plan! Avoid assigning a cause too quickly. Make certain you have all of the facts first!

Four Steps to Accident Investigation (Accident Example – Worker slipped and fell) 1.Immediate Response a)First get the injured employee the help they need. b)Second rope off the area where the accident occurred. c)Third begin the accident investigation with the witnesses and with the injured employee as soon as possible.

2.Investigate to Get the Facts Look at the physical environment to determine the cause: Four Steps Accident Investigation

The 5 Why Method Injury Statement: An employee slipped and fell. Q: Why did he slip and fall? A: There was liquid on the floor. Q: Why was there liquid on the floor? A: Because the forklift was leaking oil. Q: Why was the forklift leaking oil? A: A hose was cracked on the hydraulic lift. Q: Why is the hose cracked? A: Its worn out. Why didnt we catch it? Q2: Did we perform daily inspections? A2: Were not sure, there is no documentation. Root cause: The forklift hasnt been inspected and/or serviced properly. Solution: Create a new maintenance schedule and assign responsibility.

3.Analysis of the Facts to Determine the Causes Was there a knowledge or skill gap that contributed to the accident? Was there an employee action done or left undone that contributed to the accident? Four Steps Accident Investigation

4.Development of Specific Corrective Actions Fix the Problem –Identify immediate corrective actions to be taken to remove the hazard. –Identify future preventative actions to be taken to prevent reoccurrence of the hazard. Four Steps Accident Investigation

Solutions The solution should apply to the problem. Should be reasonable. Do not create a greater hazard with your solution. Form the new rules/process Train employees Enforcement

Accident Example Motor Vehicle Accident The usual question to the employee involved: What happened? Are you okay?

Summary Whats the difference? Benefit of Accident Investigations Investigative Actions Four Steps of Investigation How do we improve?