Help, I need to investigate an occupational accident!

Incident Management Blog Digital HSE

The main goal of a prevention consultant is to keep the number of occupational accidents (and illnesses) as low as possible. However, if an occupational accident does occur, it is very important to prevent its recurrence.

An occupational accident investigation is necessary to determine how this incident could have been prevented.

This is the responsibility of the employer, but in practice is often done by the prevention department. How do you start?

Investigation of an accident

To investigate an accident, one can either do a statistical study or an individual investigation. The statistical study is a collection of all relevant numerical data (time, place, department, age, location, type of injuries,…) and is useful for getting a clear picture of workplace incidents and accidents.

Here a division is also made between the statistics of light accidents, accidents that do not result in incapacity, accidents that result in incapacity, accidents that result in adapted work, serious accidents, very serious accidents, and homework accidents.

An individual examination is carried out with the help of a causal tree and the MUOPO method (Person-Equipment-Surroundings-Product-Organization).

In the case of a serious work accident, it is strongly recommended that you also physically examine the scene of the accident. This will allow you to gather the facts, photographic evidence, first-hand information from the victim, and other useful information.

If necessary, immediate action can also be taken to secure the surrounding area.

Debrief as a follow-up

Then schedule a debriefing as soon as possible. At the debriefing, the accident is discussed together with all necessary participants. These are often the victim, any witnesses, the prevention consultant, the department head, a training officer, and, in very serious accidents, CPPW staff. Also, always ask that the PPE, work clothes, tools, etc. that were involved in the accident be brought to the debriefing. These can contribute to the investigation.

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