Page 123 - IGC BOOK

Level of investigation

The amount of time and effort spent on information gathering should be proportionate to the
level of investigation. Collect all available and relevant information. That includes opinions,
experiences, observations, sketches, measurements, photographs, check sheets, permits-to-
work and details of the environmental conditions at the time etc. This information can be
recorded initially in note form, with a formal report being completed later. These notes should
be kept at least until the investigation is complete.

Minimal level investigation, the relevant supervisor will investigate the circumstances of the
event and try to learn any lessons which will prevent future occurrences.

Low level investigation will involve a short investigation by the relevant supervisor or line
manager into the circumstances and immediate, underlying and root causes of the adverse
event, to try to prevent a recurrence and to learn any general lessons.

Medium level investigation will involve a more detailed investigation by the relevant supervisor
or line manager, the health and safety adviser and employee representatives and will look for
the immediate, underlying and root causes.

High level investigation will involve a team-based investigation, involving supervisors or line
managers, health and safety advisers and employee representatives. It will be carried out under
the supervision of senior management or directors and will look for the immediate, underlying,
and root causes.

Basic Investigating Procedures

Basic principles that can be used when carrying out an accident investigation are:

Step 1: Gathering the information

Step 2: Analysing the information

Step 3: Identifying suitable risk control measures

Step 4: Implement action plan

Prior to initiate accident investigation the following must be taken care.

When an incident (e.g. injury, ill health, or near-miss, damage to buildings or vehicles) occurs,
immediate action is taken in order to make the situation safe and prevent further injury and to
help, treat and if necessary, rescue injured persons. The first person aware of an incident must
act, where safe to do so, to prevent further harm to people, product quality or supply, the
environment, property.

ENSIGN | Unit IG1 – Element 4 – Health and Safety Monitoring and Measuring 11