Evidence gathering witness interviews

Evidence gathered through personal interviews is both insightful and fragile. People s ability to recollect facts accurately declines exponentially. A rule of thumb is that people typically forget 50—80% of the details of an event within 24 hours. They are also likely to have their mind swayed by other people as time progresses. Therefore, witnesses should be located and interviewed as soon as possible. 

Synthesize the information gathered from the witnesses interviewed and evidence collected to determine the accident cause... 

The site visit will set the tone for the remainder of the investigation. It will probably generate as many questions as are answered by the site visit. However, the site visit and its documentation are necessary in order to effectively analyze the causes of the accident as well as being an aid in the completion of your final report. Once all the physical evidence has been gathered, it is time to interview any witnesses or victims. 

Step 2 Gathering evidence and information. Studying accident evidence and interviewing witnesses is the primary mode of gathering information. 

Teach the team how to do the investigation (especially interview protocols) before they go out and gather evidence and interview witnesses. There is a correct way to interview witnesses showing respect, not use leading questions or making accusations, etc. 

Information obtained during investigations is given verbally, or provided in writing. Written documentation should be gathered to provide evidence of policy or practice followed on site, and witnesses should be talked to as soon as possible after the accident. The injured person should also be seen promptly and interviewed. 

A complete listing of the chain of command, including who will be in charge of the investigation, gather physical evidence, take notes and photographs, interview witnesses and victims, prepare the final report, and receive copies of the final report. 

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