Accident investigations, workplace prevention

Thorough and effective analyses of workplace incidents are critical components of a comprehensive safety management system. Yet, many incident analysis processes (i.e., accident investigations) fall short. They frequently fail to identify and resolve the real root causes of injuries, process incidents and near misses. Because the true root causes of incidents are within the system, the system must change to prevent the incident from happening again. 

Many companies conduct accident investigations and keep accident records and other data on the company s safety and health initiatives. If a company has a sufficient number of accidents/incidents and enongh detail in their occupational injury/illness investigation data, the company can begin to examine trends or emerging issues relevant to their safety and health intervention/prevention efforts. The analysis of this data can be nsed to evaluate the effectiveness of safety and health at various workplaces, jobsites, or for groups of workers. The safety and health data can be used by a company to compare to that of other companies that perform similar work, employ a comparable workforce, or compete in the same kind and size of market on a state, regional, national, or international basis. 

Published more than ten years ago, the first edition of Accident/Incident Prevention Techniques provided clear, comprehensive guidance on how to mitigate the cost, in personnel and to the bottom line, of accidents/incidents in the workplace. Significantly revised and updated, this Second Edition takes its place as the A to Z hands-on guide to the responsibilities, principles, tools, and techniques involved in accident investigative planning and preparation. 

McLean, C. (1994). Accident Investigation - An Opportunity for Prevention. Australian Journal of Workplace Health and Safety, 12(1), 9-13. 

A review made by this author of a variety of accident investigation reports (not limited to machinery) concluded that there were implications of workplace and work methods design inadequacies in over 35 percent of cases. To reduce serious injury and fatality potential, this author proposes that prevention through design be established as a... 

As you look at the contents of this book, you will probably say to yourself that this is nothing new. I would have to agree with you that IMe of what is in this book is new. But, what this book does is consolidate a whole host accident/incident prevention qtproaches into one source. When you want a comprehensive approach to accident/ incident prevention, you are hard pressed to find a source which attempts to cover in some detail the true nuts and bolts for doing so. You will find books that cover accident investigation or some that address each hazard in some detail, which are present in the workplace. Even if accident prevention is addressed incorporating the topics that are found in this book, seldom is enough detail provided to allow you to put these accident prevention techniques to work for you. 

The different filters narrowed the scope of the companies learning from their experiences. They limited the types of accident prevention and the remedial actions that were taken and their timing. The focus in accident investigations, for example, on the incident rather than on the precursory deviations will direct the investigator towards remedies to stop the energy flow, i.e. protective devices. Workplace inspections mainly resulted in corrections of deviations. 

Worksite analysis involves examining the workplace for existing and potential hazards. Comprehensive baseline and periodic safety and health surveys should be conducted. Job hazard analysis, accident, and near-miss investigations should also be held. Workers should be able to report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Trends of illness and injury should be studied over time to identify patterns and prevent problems from recurring. 

By investigating the various methods and equipment used in system safety applications, the book covers myriad accident/incident prevention techniques, and supplies the illustrations and tools that allow readers to begin to develop and build a safety and health program in their workplace. The author draws on his more than 30 years of experience to supply a template for the development of an effective safety and health program. 

The difference between a fatal accident and a near miss accident may onfy be a fraction of a second in time or a fraction of a centimetre in space. The information gathered from the investigation of near miss accidents assists us in introducing remedial measures to reduce potential hazards in the workplace. If we gather information about all accident and incident causes, we are able to take positive preventative action. 

In order to prevent recurrences, the Utility investigates all workplace accidents. All accidents, regardless of severity, will be analyzed to determine the best method of prevention. Listed below are procedures that are to be followed after an accident. These procedures will ensure that you are taken care of after being involved in an accident, all pertinent information is gathered, and that all preventive measures are followed through. 

Ideally, employers will never experience accidents or incidents in the workplace. Realistically Employers will experience accidents or incidents. How the employer responds to those situations, however, can prevent future injury ultimately, that should be the goal of yorm investigation process. 

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