The Investigation Process

 If a full investigation is deemed necessary the following four steps set out a systematic and structured approach.

Step-1: Gathering of Relevant Information

Promptness

The best time to start an investigation is as soon as possible. the less time between the accident and the investigation, the better and more reliable will be the information available. Facts will be easier to determine and more details will be remembered by those involved, while the conditions are more likely to be closest to those immediately before the accident. 

Equipment

Equipment required will depend on the circumstances:

• Photographic equipment - digital cameras allows rapid and easy storage and transfer of photographic evidences.
• Portable lights may be necessary if electricity is switched off or if the accident scene is in a poorly lit area in a confined spaces
• Sketchpad, pencils and measuring equipment
• Record-keeping equipment including a notebook and possible recording equipment.
• Sample collection equipment, such as jars or other containers which can be sealed to prevent loss, evaporation or contamination. Paper bags, plastic bags, envelopes and cartons may also be required.
• Tools for cleaning debris or spillages.
• Where explosives or flammable gases may be involved, portable gas/vapor detection equipment should be available. Similarly, where poisonous or radioactive materials may be involved, the appropriate detection equipment should be provided.

Inspection of the Scene

The first priority is to help injured people. You may also need to report the incident to your local regulator. For serious incidents, the site may need to be made safe but otherwise left undisturbed as a 'crime scene' pending an investigation by the police or a health and safety enforcement inspector. 

Depending on the severity of any injuries or damage, the investigator should be present during clearing up operations and reinstatement, or clues may be missed.

Failing this, the supervisor should take it upon him or herself  to collect the necessary evidence but you can not specify a routine because there are too many possible variations and circumstances. However, whatever situation the investigator has to deal with, there are certain things he or she will need, and there is a logical method of carrying out the investigation. 

In the case of fire investigation, although not essential, it is helpful if the investigator can be present during the fire, or at least as soon as possible after it has occurred. The exact area where the fire started may be more obvious, although it may be obscured by smoke, and heat may prevent access to the building. The investigator may get useful information by watching the activities of the fire-fighters. He or she will also be able to photograph the course of the fire, which may be subsequent prove useful.

An outline of a routine of investigation applicable in most cases, which can be modified to suit a particular situation, is as follows;

• Take a careful, detailed look at the scene of the accident from a distance, preferable from all sides, evaluating and noting:

            1.   The extent and severity of the damage

            2.   Damage to surrounding property.

            3.   Environmental conditions, such a temperature, ventilation, humidity and illumination.

• Survey the accident site to see if there are any obvious dangerous physical conditions that may have been responsible for the accidents.
• In the case of spillages, splashes, or other escape of poisonous, explosives, flammable, or other dangerous material, it may be necessary to take samples for subsequent laboratory investigation.
• Where machinery or other equipment has been involved, it may be necessary to issue instructions prohibition its use or repair until the investigation has been completed. 

Investigating Witnesses

Any investigation will involve people, and it is easy to upset them when asking questions about what has been done or what has not been done. However, casual remarks made during the site inspection may be revealing and the investigator should continue to talk to any personnel involved near the scene of the accident. This would be an ideal opportunity to explain that the object of the exercise is not to apportion blame or to criticize any individual but to discover the causes so as to prevent a repetition.

Types of Witness

There are three types of witness:

1. The Primary Witness is the victim: only he/she will know exactly the events that led to the accident, and should be able to give a full account of his / her action.

2. The secondary witness, extremely are in practice, is the eyewitness. The problem is that not many people really see the instant of an accident; their observations usually begin immediately after the accident has occurred.

3. Tertiary witness are those who can offer a variety of corroborative statements regarding peoples actions, or environmental information relevant to the circumstances surrounding the accident. 

Putting the witness at ease

It is important to put the person being questioned at ease, and this can be done by explaining the purpose of the investigation ( to discover the causes so as to prevent a repetition).

The witness will also relax if you encourage his or her participation and involvement in the exercise, by listening to any ideas he/she might have about possible preventive measures. An understanding and friendly manner is essential to obtain co-operation.

Remember that the witness must be reassured that the purpose of the interview is not to blame anyone, but to try to find out the cause and so reduce the possibility of a recurrence.

Interview Location

Where possible, interviews should be carried out at the scene of the accident, because it is generally easier for those involved to explain themselves clearly with the 'props' close at hand and be able to point out specific thigs and recall their actions related to specific locations.

Question Phrasing

It is a good idea to start all questions with What, Where, When, How or Who. Question starting with Why will only put the witness on the defensive and possible antagonise them.

Typical questions might be:

• What happened? What did you see? What time was it?
• Where were you at the time? Where was the victim?
• When did you realize something was wrong?
• How did it happen? How were you involved? How could it have been prevented?
• Who else was involved? Who else saw it? Who reported it?

Attitude

Conclusion

When the witness has given their account of the accident the investigator should repeaat it to the witness to make sure that understands it. This also allows the witness to add any details previously omitted or expand some points to make them clearer. 

Step-2: Analysis of Information

Use of the cause and Effect Diagram ( Fish bone diagram)

Step-3: Identify Control Measures

Step-4: Plan and Implement