OSHA Element on Incident Investigation

Complying with the OSHA Element on Incident Investigation 

Regardless of the method of investigation used for any incident, there are some mandatory OSHA requirements. The OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard focuses on incidents that could reasonably have resulted or actually had resulted in a catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. A major requirement is having a procedure that the employer can quickly implement. Here are a few considerations for an incident investigation procedure that addresses the major points of the PSM standard. 

Who Judges If the Incident Qualifies as an OSHA PSM Near-Miss or Incident  

Each incident is unique. One working definition of Process Safety Incidents is incidents which—in the judgment of responsible, informed, in-plant administrators (such as the shift superintendent or any second-level supervisor)—could reasonably have resulted or actually had resulted in a catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals. A catastrophic release for these purposes is a major uncontrolled emission, fire, or explosion, involving one or more highly hazardous chemicals, which presents serious danger to employees in the workplace. 

An incident investigation shall be initiated as promptly as possible, but no later than 48 hours following a catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals or one which could reasonably have resulted in a catastrophic release. Upon the recommendation of the shift superintendent or a second-level supervisor, the incident investigation will be initiated by the affected plant manager or one of the superintendents. 

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Complying with the OSHA element on incident investigation... 

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