Investigating Incidents

What is the primary purpose of incident investigation?

• ATo assign blame
• BTo identify root causes and prevent recurrence✓
• CTo satisfy the HSE
• DTo minimize costs

Answer: Incident investigation aims to understand what happened, why it happened, and how to prevent it recurring.

What is a near-miss?

• AAn accident that almost happened but didn't
• BAn incident with no injury that had potential to cause harm✓
• CA minor injury
• DAn event close to the office

Answer: A near-miss is an event that could have caused injury or harm but didn't. Investigating near-misses prevents future accidents.

Why is investigating near-misses important?

• AThey don't require investigation
• BThey reveal hazards and risks before someone is injured✓
• COnly accidents matter
• DInsurance requires it

Answer: Near-misses indicate that controls have failed or are inadequate. Investigating them provides opportunities to fix hazards.

What does RIDDOR require employers to do?

• AInvestigate all incidents
• BReport certain injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences to the HSE✓
• CKeep workers off work
• DPay compensation

Answer: RIDDOR requires reporting of specified injuries, over-7-day absences, occupational diseases, and dangerous occurrences.

What is root cause analysis?

• AFinding who caused the accident
• BUnderstanding the underlying reasons why something occurred✓
• COnly looking at immediate causes
• DAssigning fault

Answer: Root cause analysis explores underlying causes rather than just immediate causes, preventing similar incidents.

What is the 5 Why technique?

• AAsking what happened five times
• BRepeatedly asking 'why' to dig deeper into root causes✓
• CA specific number of questions
• DOnly used in HR

Answer: The 5 Why technique involves repeatedly asking 'why' (not necessarily exactly 5 times) to uncover root causes beneath surface symptoms.

What is a fishbone diagram (Ishikawa)?

• AA fishing safety guide
• BA tool for identifying causes by category (people, process, equipment, environment)✓
• CA management structure
• DA type of hazard

Answer: A fishbone diagram visually organizes potential causes by category, helping identify root causes systematically.

When should an incident investigation begin?

• AA week after the incident
• BImmediately after ensuring safety✓
• COnly if serious
• DAfter the HSE inspection

Answer: Investigation should begin immediately after the incident while evidence and memories are fresh.

Who should be involved in incident investigation?

• AOnly the manager
• BSupervisors, affected persons, and other relevant staff✓
• COnly the safety officer
• DOutside consultants

Answer: Investigation teams should include those with knowledge of the work, the incident, and relevant expertise.

What evidence should be collected during investigation?

• AOnly witness statements
• BPhysical evidence, photographs, equipment condition, records, and statements✓
• CNothing until the HSE arrives
• DOnly official reports

Answer: Collect physical evidence, take photographs, examine equipment, review records, and obtain detailed witness statements.

What should be done with the scene of a serious incident?

• AClean it up immediately
• BSecure it and preserve evidence until investigation is complete✓
• CAllow normal work to resume
• DNothing until HSE arrives

Answer: Secure serious incident scenes to preserve evidence. Only the HSE can authorize scene release.

What is a corrective action?

• APunishment for the worker involved
• BAn action to correct a deficiency and prevent recurrence✓
• CMedical treatment
• DA warning

Answer: Corrective actions address the root cause and prevent the incident from recurring.