The purpose is to uncover the direct or indirect causes of the accident/incident in an attempt to prevent a re-occurrence in the future. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act have legal requirements for reporting and investigation of accident/incidents.
Investigations also help measure the effectiveness of the company's health and safety program. The examination of actual events can reveal hazards not discovered through hazard assessments and inspections; comparisons across time can reveal trends that might otherwise be missed.
Results Expected
Every investigation should produce the following results:
Every investigation should produce the following results:
- Accurate, unbiased descriptions of exactly what happened.
- A determination of the direct immediate cause, and also of the indirect underlying or contributing causes.
- An analysis of associated costs (when required)
- Corrective Action that reduces the probability of a similar experience.
- A positive effect on employee morale.