The Accident Investigative Plan

Report of the accident. Once a report of a problem is received it is important that the appropriate medical services be dispatched, the emergency plan implemented, and the accident scene secured to prevent further injury and ensure that evidence needed for the investigation is still intact. 

Notifications. The policy must spell out who needs to be notified in the case of an accident. The policy needs to dictate who will be involved in investigating certain events such as  

Injuries—serious and minor Value—dollar and property loss Motor Vehicles 

Environmental—spill or release Injuries to contract workers Injuries due to intentional or negligent conduct Product liability matters 

Investigative responsibility. This is clearly a prerogative of upper management. Serious investigations need to be directed by a designated manager to ensure that all appropriate issues are addressed. 

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Supervisors might be accountable to conduct accident investigations at their organizational level. To facilitate this effort, management should train supervisors and ensure that they are familiar with the accident investigation plan. The following might be in a kit for the supervisors to use ... 

Serious incidents are to be reported immediately to the specific authorities outlined in the Accident Investigation Plan. The initial report should include the following information ... 

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