Accident Investigations – Proactive Management

Investigation of workplace accidents and incidents is an essential part of the proactive management of health and safety. Undertaking investigations of both those accidents that result in injury or death, as well as near misses, in a systematic and organised way will benefit any organisation by identifying causes and underlying factors which can lead to lessons learnt and help prevent similar circumstances from recurring.

What should be investigated?

An investigation and review should take place for all accidents and incidents. However, it is important that organisations take a sensible and proportionate approach to the investigation of accidents, in which case it may not be necessary to fully investigate minor accidents. An organisation’s procedures for accident investigation should include a procedure for deciding which accidents will be investigated and which will not. It may be helpful for organisations to develop a simple “risk matrix” (such as outlined in the HSE’s HSG245) to help decide which accidents should be investigated
Investigations should always take place for incidents arising in a high-risk environment where risk control measures need to be robust. High risks may result from the use of equipment or plant, the use of hazardous substances or work in certain places such as confined spaces.
It is important that near misses with the potential for injury are investigated. These are incidents where an unplanned event occurs for which there is no resultant injury or damage, but the potential exists for harm to result if the event occurred under different circumstances.
The time and effort put into the investigation may vary considerably according to the potential severity of injury and/or damage. Significant incidents will usually require a written report although there may be no need to document the results in very minor cases.

The need to carry out accident investigations is an implied duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and is sometimes required under specific insurance and other contractual requirements. It is also an essential part of successful health and safety management.

Employers should select appropriate staff to carry out investigations and provide them with the necessary training and instruction. This includes safety representatives. Table 1 outlines who should be involved in an accident investigation.

Table 1: Accident Investigation and Who Becomes Involved Staff at Supervisory Level When an incident is reported to them by an employee under their supervision, which the employee believes indicates the presence of any danger to persons, plant or equipment. Staff at Managerial Level When an incident occurs within the manager’s area of responsibility involving the failure of or damage to any part of the premises, plant, equipment, tool or substance. When an incident occurs in which an employee or other person within the manager’s area of responsibility has suffered death or injury. When an incident occurs within the manager’s area of responsibility which could have led to the death or injury of persons or to the failure/damage of any company property. Health & Safety Advisor / Manager Incidents to be reported to the enforcement authority. Incidents involving the death of, or personal injury to, anyone doing anything with or in relation to any activity carried out by the company. Incidents which a department manager believes could have led to the death of, or personal injury to, any person. Specialists and Consultants When specific skills, knowledge or experience are required to carry out an effective investigation. Staff Representative Any incident in which a member of staff that they represent is involved. Health and Safety Executive and local authority inspectors may also carry out investigations in the workplace under the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974 Your company health and safety policy, standalone policy or procedures should outline your investigation protocol. This should be communicated to all staff. Investigation reports should be written and records of related procedures should be maintained In the event of an accident in your workplace, if you do not have the expertise or resource in-house to carry out an investigation, C&C can provide guidance and support, as well as leading the accident investigation on your behalf.