Conducting an Effective Incident Investigation

A number of important skills are involved in conducting an effective investigation. An effective investigation can help you prevent similar incidents and future injuries. Always keep in mind that effective incident investigation means fact-finding, not fault-finding.

Training in incident investigation is strongly recommended

See our listing of occupational safety and health service providers in Manitoba?

Overview of an incident investigation process

Select an investigation team

By identifying a team of investigators, you can respond quickly to any incident, injury, or illness. The team should be representative of your workplace and have a cross-section of skills and abilities. It should be large enough that it can still be operational if one or two members are absent at any time.

Train your investigation team

Training your team in advance can help ensure your investigations are effective, your people have the necessary skills, and your people understand their roles before to being faced with an actual incident. See our listing of SAFE Work Manitoba training providers.

Assemble investigation tools

• tape measure
• clipboard, pens or pencils, paper (square or graph paper is recommended for illustrations)
• equipment tags for labelling
• flashlight and batteries
• emergency phone numbers (police, ambulance, fire, Workplace Safety & Health)
• barrier tape
• camera and flash
• incident investigation forms
• investigation checklist

Steps in an incident investigation

1. Emergency response
2. Secure the scene and identify witnesses
3. Survey the scene
4. Prepare a report
5. Remember to investigate near misses too