Trust accident investigations

Supervisors must possess the knowledge and experience to provide hazard control guidance to those they lead. First-line supervisors occupy a key hazard control position in many organizations. This position of trust can require supervisors to conduct area inspections, provide job training, ensure timely incident reporting, and accomplish initial accident investigations. 

In a police investigation of a severe accident, the investigators will look for breaches of statutory duties and other evidence of criminal negligence or wilful criminal acts. When addressing the question of culpability, the investigation will produce defensive reactions on behalf of the individuals and the organisation concerned. These reactions will counteract openness and trust and will obstruct the learning process. 

Where the accident is under police investigation, the police have the right to request full access to the company s internal report. Knowledge of this fact will affect the commission s work and may hamper openness and trust. A careful balance must be kept between the need for openness, to take full advantage of the accident experience, and the involved persons legitimate right of self-protection when they face the risk of legal action. 

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