• Effective preplanning of an accident investigation is essential since relevant information quality and quantity begin to decline right after an accident.
• A well-trained team, a written plan, and a proper investigation kit can facilitate the accident investigation process.

Effective accident investigation starts before an accident by establishing a well-planned investigation procedure and a written plan. Preplanning is especially important because the quantity and quality of information begins to diminish immediately following the accident.

The accident investigation team should be organized before an accident happens so team members can be trained in accident investigation procedures. Assembling an accident investigation kit is also critical.

Organizing an investigation team

Organize an accident investigation team before an accident occurs so team members can become familiar with the investigation procedures. Team members should know how to:

• Respond to the accident scene before physical evidence is disturbed.
• Sample unknown spills, vapors, residues, etc., noting conditions that may have affected the sample.
• Prepare visual aids such as photos, field sketches, and other graphical representations with the objective of providing data for the investigation.
• Obtain information from eyewitnesses, if possible. Interviews with those directly involved and others whose input might be useful should be scheduled as soon as possible. Interviews should be conducted privately and individually so the comments of one witness will not influence the responses of others.
• Observe key mechanical equipment as it is disassembled.
• Review all sources of potentially useful information. These may include operating logs, previous reports, procedures, equipment manuals, oral instructions, design data, training records, and laboratory tests.
• Determine which accident-related items should be preserved. When a preliminary analysis reveals that an item may have failed to operate correctly or was damaged, arrangements should be made to either preserve the item or carefully document any subsequent repairs or modifications.
• Document the sources of information in the accident report. This will be valuable if further study of the accident becomes necessary.

Although team membership will vary according to the type of accident, a typical team investigating an operating area accident might include:

• A supervisor from the area where the accident occurred;
• Personnel from an area not involved in the accident;
• An engineering and/or maintenance supervisor;
• The safety supervisor;
• Occupational health/environmental personnel;
• Research and/or technical personnel; and
• Other appropriate personnel (i.e., operators, mechanics, or technicians).

Training the investigation team

Members of the accident investigation team should be trained to conduct an investigation. This includes interview techniques, writing reports, evaluating findings, estimating costs, and a host of other activities. Make the team aware of how the investigation reports will be used.

Developing a written plan

The preparation process includes developing a written plan. At a minimum, a written plan should contain the following types of information:

• A complete listing of the investigation team’s chain of command, including who will be in charge, gather physical evidence, take notes and photos, interview witnesses and victims, prepare the final report, and receive copies of the final report;
• A list of personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be needed; and
• A list of special transportation or communication needs.

Assemble a kit

The planning process also requires assembling equipment needed to perform investigative duties. This equipment should be contained in an accident investigation kit. Examples of basic equipment include:

• First-aid kit
• Barricade tape
• Reporting forms
• Photography/video equipment (including tripod if possible)
• Clipboard and notebook
• Tape
• Gloves (both work gloves and surgical gloves)
• Pens and pencils
• Chalk, crayons, or magic markers
• Sketching materials
• Large envelopes
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• String
• Tags