How do I conduct an accident investigation?

Workplace incidents—including injuries, illnesses, close calls/near misses, and reports of other concerns—provide a clear indication of where hazards exist. By thoroughly investigating incidents and reports, you’ll identify hazards that are likely to cause future harm. The purpose of an investigation must always be to identify the root causes (and there is often more than one) of the incident or concern, in order to prevent future occurrences.

Develop a clear plan and procedure for conducting incident investigations, so an investigation can begin immediately when an incident occurs. The plan should cover items such as: