Page 124 - IGC BOOK

Step 1: Gathering Information

• Physical evidence Preserve the incident scene for
the purpose of gathering evidences to ensure the
outcomes of the investigation are factual and
enable the identification of causes.

• Verbal evidence identifies the witness, especially
those who have been involved in the accident and
know what had happened? If there are many
witnesses everyone may be investigated separately.
Their statement must be recorded.

• Document evidence this may include photographs, sketches, measurements, site map or
layout, CCTV footages and samples collected from the accident spots.

This information must be recorded initially, later a formal report must be prepared once the
investigation is completed.

Once this step is thoroughly completed move to the witnesses to gather information.

Interviewing witness can be challenging task sometimes. The interviewer must therefore
carefully interview the witness to gather factual evidences.

Witness Interviewing Techniques

Prompt witness interview followed by the event to avoid information being erased from their
memory.

• Conduct interview in a private room, it should be free from distractions and interruptions.
• Introduce themselves and try to build a rapport with the witness, care should be given to
observe witness body language, the interviewer must maintain their voice tone and provide
response in calm and neutral manner.
• Explain the witnesses about the purpose of the interview i.e. its not about to blaming people,
the main aim is to find the cause to prevent reoccurrence.
• Keep them informed that the explanation and responses will be taken as notes during the
interview
• Use Open questions, such as, what, why, where, when, Who and How. For example, you can
raise a question how did the accident happened? The witness tries to explain you the incident
as the interviewer will get more information. Close end question will put the witness to
answer Yes or No.
• Keep an open mind to the responses.
• Record the details including the names of the interviewer, interviewee, and any other
witnesses. Location, date, and time of interview along with important comments during the
interview.
• Summarise your understanding and ask witnesses to write and sign a declaration statement
to generate a record of their testimony.
• Appreciate the witness for providing the information and thank them for their support.

ENSIGN | Unit IG1 – Element 4 – Health and Safety Monitoring and Measuring 12