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Protect The Scene! Protect The Scene! Protect The Scene!
In real estate the adage is Location, Location, Location! In the investigation world we can't choose our location. Regardless of where the accident takes place, or how serious we think the situation might be, protecting, if not over-protecting the accident scene can pay big dividends.
Accident investigators frequently fail to recognize the value of physical evidence, and consider witnesses as their prime or only source of evidence.
The first hurdle is protecting the scene is often the production/safety tradeoff. "Let's get this mess cleaned up and get things rolling." If that's the attitude of management you've got to educate them on the importance of protecting and gathering evidence. Most jurisdictions have legislation about disturbing the scenes of serious accident, and you need to ensure all levels in the organization understand these laws.
The reality is that in most cases it's not a serious accident, and therefore not covered by legislation. This doesn't make the evidence any less valuable to the investigation outcome.
First responders to a scene, including supervisors, safety committee members or first aid personnel need to be provided with education on the importance of protecting accident scenes as well as provided with tools to do the job.
First responders should:
- Disturb the scene as little as possible.
- Make mental or written notes about the condition of the scene upon their arrival.
- If you have to move something, make a note of it, or tell the investigators when they arrive.
- Do not allow others to move evidence. The exception being to assist injured or control additional losses.
- Note the environmental conditions, light, heat, cold, odours, noise, etc.
- Note what doors, windows, access means were open/closed upon arrival.
- Barricade or rope off the area to limit access to all but essential persons.
- Pay particular attention the floor as this is where most evidence will be found and is also the area more easily contaminated.
- Record the names of all persons present upon your arrival. Keep a record of all persons coming and going from the scene.
- Take photos and sketch the scene if things must be moved and investigators haven't arrived or are delayed.
- Never allow eating, drinking or smoking at an accident scene, not only can it contaminate the scene; it's also a health hazard.
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