How do I conduct an incident investigation?

Workplace incidents—including injuries, illnesses, near misses, and reports of other concerns—are clear indicators of where hazards exist. By thoroughly investigating incidents and reports, employers can identify hazards that are likely to cause future harm.

The primary purpose of an incident investigation is to identify root causes (often more than one) of the incident or concern in order to prevent future occurrences. To support this, develop a clear plan and procedure for conducting incident investigations so the investigation can begin immediately after an incident occurs. The plan should address:

• Who will be involved
• Lines of communication
• Materials, equipment, and supplies needed
• Reporting forms and templates

Train your team on incident investigation techniques, emphasizing objectivity and open-mindedness throughout the investigation process.

Investigations should be conducted by a trained team that includes representatives from both management and the workforce.

Review records of previous injuries and illnesses, such as OSHA 300 and 301 logs, to identify trends and recurring issues. Investigate close calls and near misses as well. Many organizations have near miss reporting programs that allow supervisors and workers to report incidents that did not result in injury yet. These reports are valuable for identifying hazards and determining how to mitigate them before serious incidents occur.

Finally, identify and analyze root causes to address underlying program or system shortcomings that allowed the incident to happen. Communicate investigation results to managers, supervisors, and workers to help prevent recurrence.