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
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.
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.
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.
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.