Workplace incidents, whether minor or significant, need to be investigated thoroughly to prevent recurrence, ensure employee safety, and maintain compliance with Australian health and safety regulations.
A well-conducted investigation helps identify the root cause of an incident and implement effective corrective actions. It should also determine what went "right" in response to an incident and acknowledge the good stuff wherever possible.
Here’s a straightforward guide to conducting a workplace incident investigation.
Step 1: Gather Information
Speak with witnesses and those directly involved to gather firsthand accounts. Be sure to:
Remain objective and avoid assigning blame.
Record statements carefully.
Step 2: Identify Causes
Investigate beyond the immediate event to determine why the incident occurred. Factors to consider include:
Environmental conditions.
Work processes, procedures or shortcuts
Step 3: Look for What Went Right
While it’s essential to focus on what went wrong, it’s equally important to identify what went right during the incident. Even in challenging situations, there are often positive actions, decisions, or safety measures that prevented a worse outcome.
For example:
Did someone quickly raise the alarm?
Did someone demonstrate leadership under pressure?
Acknowledging these positive elements:
Reinforces good practices.
Encourages staff to continue prioritising safety.
By identifying and celebrating these small successes, you create a balanced perspective that focuses on improvement rather than solely on blame.
Step 4: Develop an Action Plan
Use the findings to create a plan for corrective actions.
Step 5: Document the Investigation
Prepare a detailed report that includes:
A summary of the incident.
Root cause analysis.
Step 8: Communicate Findings
Share the results of the investigation with all stakeholders. Transparency fosters trust and ensures everyone is aware of the steps taken to improve safety.
Why Training is Essential
Conducting an effective and efficient workplace incident investigation requires the right skills and knowledge. VitalShield Health & Safety offers comprehensive training programs to equip businesses and their staff with the tools to perform thorough and accurate incident investigations.
Our training covers:
Best practices for gathering and analysing evidence.
Techniques for interviewing witnesses.
Methods for identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Strategies for recognising and reinforcing what went right during an incident.
By partnering with VitalShield Health & Safety, you can build a safer workplace and foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and recognition of positive safety behavior.
Start improving your incident investigation process today! Contact VitalShield Health & Safety for more information on our training programs.
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