Successful Safety Supervision Workshop

Supervisors Role in Accident Investigation

What Is An Accident?

Websters Definition
An unfortunate and unexpected event.

Accident

A typical accident is the result of many factors that all come together at the same time.

Accident Investigation

Conducting a thorough accident investigation can be an essential component of being an effective supervisor.

Reasons to Conduct Accident Investigations

To prevent recurrence To comply with policies and regulatory requirements To help maintain employee awareness of the importance of safe, healthy work habits

Supervisors Responsibility
Investigations are usually the supervisors responsibility. Supervisors have a better understanding of operations and equipment. Employees may be willing to speak more freely with their supervisor. Supervisors have a personal stake in accident investigations.

Accident Notification
Supervisors can only investigate accidents they know about. Supervisors need to make sure their employees understand the notification process. Cover notification procedures in new hire orientations and post conspicuously in the work area.

Managing the Accident Scene

Survey the scene Treat the injured Control remaining hazards Isolate the site to protect people and preserve evidence

Conducting An Accident Investigation

An investigation can be thought of as a
three-step process: Gather as much information as possible. Analyze the facts to determine what the causes were. Make recommendations for corrective measures to prevent future accidents.

Accident Investigation
Accident investigations should begin as soon as possible. Operations are disrupted. Memories fade. Employees are at risk.

Gathering Information
Time and location of accident Environment Check that nothing was moved, repositioned, turned off, or taken from the scene Sources of information: Witnesses Physical evidence at the scene Existing records

Finding The Witnesses

Arriving at the scene PROMPTLY is essential for the investigator. Ask questions to identify employees present at the accident. Workers in adjacent areas may have information on sights, sounds, weather conditions, lighting, noise, and other factors related to the accident. Limit contact between witnesses.

The Interview Process

Get written statements Reassure the witness Let the witness tell the story Begin with open-ended questions Dont ask leading questions Summarize Ask for recommendations Close on positive note

Physical Evidence
Sketches Valuable reference after conditions have been returned to normal. Use reference points to show the position of objects if practical. Photographs Documents position and condition objects. Take photos of anything that could possibly be important. Ensure proper authorization is in place prior to taking pictures (confidentiality, trade secret issues, etc.)

Documenting Accident Investigation

Report forms should include the following: General information - basic facts about the accident, who, what, when, where, and so forth. Summary - a brief description of what happened. Analysis - a description of what caused the accident and when it happened. Recommendations - suggestions to eliminate or control recurrences.

Existing Records
Utilize records to ensure thorough investigation of Employee records Equipment records Job or task records Previous accident investigation reports

Recommendations
Recommendations are usually found within the following: Training programs Inspections JHAs Employee performance observations Safety meetings

Confidentiality of Reports
Do not release any accident report to outside entities without appropriate approval. Do not speak to outside insurance reps or outside attorneys unless approved by appropriate management. Do not permit any photographs to be taken outside the scope of the investigation. Do no speak with the media. Instruct the media to call the project manager for information.

Summary
To conduct a thorough and meaningful accident investigation: Be prepared Investigate thoroughly Determine and recommend Develop and recommend appropriate corrective actions