A few years ago the British Health & Safety Executive commissioned a survey on Accident Investigation in preparation for legislative changes to accident reporting. Over the next few months I’ll share some of the highlights with you as I feel they hold true for North America as well.

The majority of British companies were found to be using a traditional approach to investigation in that investigations focused primarily on the actions of the individual and ignored other potential contributing factors. The minority used a systems based approach that considered the concept of multiple causation, system issues that impacted worker performance and both immediate and underlying causes.

The report concludes that a successful incident investigation process should incorporate the following basic requirements.

1. A causal model that represents a systems-based approach to incident investigation
2. The involvement of relevant individuals within the investigation
3. Procedures or protocols to structure and support the investigation
4. The identification of both immediate and underlying causes
5. The development of recommendations that address both immediate and underlying causes
6. The implementation of these recommendations and the updating of relevant risk assessments
7. Follow up to ensure that actions taken are successful in reducing the risk of further incidents
8. Feedback to relevant parties to share immediate learning
9. The development of an accessible database

In my experience it is # 5, 6 & 7 that are most often missing from investigation programs. What's yours?

Highway Safety

If your safety program involves safe driving programs you may find some helpful ideas at this Government of Canada Highway Safety site.
To view site. . .