Why are accident investigations carried out correct answers Accident investigations are carried
out to.
To identify the immediate root causes of the incident - incidents are usually caused by unsafe
acts and unsafe conditions in the workplace, but these often arise from underlying root causes.
To identify corrective actions that will prevent a recurrence - The main reason for investigating.
What are the four steps in the investigation process correct answers The four steps in the
investigation process are.
Step 1:
Gather factual information about the event.
Step 2:
Analyse that information and draw conclusions about the immediate and root causes.
Step 3:
Identify suitable corrective measures.
Step 4:
Plan the remedial actions.
Identify the categories of staff who might be considered useful members of an internal accident
investigation team correct answers A simple investigation might be carried out by the line
manager of the area; a more detailed investigation often involves a team of investigators that
might include
• A safety specialist
• Senior managers
• A technical specialist
• A worker representative
Offshore investigating teams may also include installation specialists from services such as
drilling, well services, maintenance, process, and deck crews.
List the types of documentation which might be consulted during an accident investigation
correct answers Various documents may be examined during an accident investigation, such as:
, Company policy
Risk assessments
Training records
Safe systems of work
Permits-to-work
Maintenance records
Disciplinary records
Internal incident report forms
Log book entries
Computer printouts relevant to the situation
What are the two categories of immediate cause of accidents/incidents correct answers
Immediate causes are the unsafe acts and unsafe conditions that gave rise to the event itself.
These will be the things that occurred at the time and place of the accident.
For example a worker slips on a patch of oil spilt on the floor
Immediate causes:
The slip hazard = unsafe condition
The worker walking through it = unsafe act
A worker has been hit by a reversing vehicle in a loading bay.
List possible immediate causes and root causes correct answers Immediate causes for such an
accident might be:
• Failure to secure the load on the pallet
• Poor road positioning of the truck close to a pedestrian exit
• Aggressive breaking by the truck driver
• An inattentive pedestrian stepping out in front of the truck
On investigation each of these immediate causes might have their own separate root causes such
as: