Accident & Incident Investigation

Workplace accident & incident investigation services

Workplace accident investigation is a defined process whereby investigators seek to gather evidence to assist in defining the factors that contributed to an accident. Safetysure provides workplace accident investigation services.

An accident has been defined as a ‘short, sudden and unexpected event or occurrence that results in an unwanted and undesirable outcome … and must directly or indirectly be the result of human activity rather than a natural event’.

Understanding the causes of accidents is fundamental to helping organisations and personnel learn and develop solutions to prevent further recurrence.

At Safetysure we believe that all accidents result from a range of factors that cause the accident (commonly referred to as causative factors). We believe that all accidents are preventable, and that personnel, property and plant can be protected.

While there are multiple theories on accident causation including Heinrichs Domino Theory, Bird and Germain’s Loss Causation Model, Viner’s Generalised Time Sequence Model and a range of systemic models such as Reasons Swiss Cheese accident model and the work of Hollnagel in Functional Resonance Accident Model (FRAM) we believe that gathering early evidence is fundamental in determining the causes of accidents.

This means understanding the who what why where and when of any accident and then applying sound methodologies and practices in determining the sequence of events and the corrective actions that can be implemented to prevent recurrence.

iHSEQ consultants provides workplace accident investigation. We understand the importance of gathering evidence and helping business navigate the complex maze of work safety regulatory requirements associated with workplace accidents.

We assist businesses to:

Conduct interviews
Gathering evidence including still photographs and video footage
Liaising with media
Reviewing documents
Determine the sequence of events
Undertaking scientific testing in evidence preparation including structural testing, electrical testing, microbial analysis, testing of dusts or other atmospheric contaminants.
Undertaking causal analysis and determining causative factors.
Implementing measures to prevent recurrence.

FAQs

Do I have to notify anyone of a workplace accident?

Most states of Australia required that you must notify the work safety regulator if immediately if there’s a work-related death, a serious injury or illness, or a dangerous incident at your place of work or caused by the running of your business.

Dangerous incidents are clearly defined by the work safety regulators and you may have obligations to notify other authorities if there is a fire, and electrical incident or an incident involving specialised plant and equipment.

What should I do if there is a workplace accident?

While there are a range of workplace accidents in terms of severity and required response, as a general rule you should:

Treat the victim (where possible) and notify emergency services on 000 if required.
Secure the incident area (preferably with the use of barricade tape or other physical barriers) Be extremely careful if you suspect electricity is involved. Never directly touch a person who has been in direct contact with electricity.
Notify all affected people to remain clear of the area.
Photograph the accident area (wide angle photographs and/or zoomed in photographs of all equipment involved. Videos can be great.
Turn off and isolate all equipment in the area.
Survey the scene for:Accident victims
Involved plant, vehicles, and other equipment
Any broken or damaged objects or surfaces such as walls that may be damaged, or struck
Tracks or skid marks from equipment
Footprints
Surface defects such as broken concrete for slips and trips
Fluid spills/stains
Contaminated materials
Debris
Distractions
The use of safety devices. Were they used, not used, or failed
What is the position of equipment?
Terrain (rocky, wet, slippery, frozen, cluttered, etc.)
Witnesses to the accident and their locations at the time
Time of day, lighting, and weather

Obviously looking after the victim of a workplace accident and your own safety must always be a key priority above accident scene preservation.

What else do I need to know if I have an accident at my workplace?

Workplace accidents can present with a broad range of complex legal issues particularly when there is an alleged breach of regulatory requirements. iHSEQ works with a range of legal practitioners on a range of serious accidents to assist businesses:

Understand their legal obligation
Address regulatory requirements
Prepare defences for workplace accidents
Support families through traumatic experiences.

How much does an accident investigation cost?

Accident investigation costs can vary based on the complexity of the investigations and the evidence requirements to be gathered or even the complexity of tests involved. You can chat with our team for more information.