Safety Accident investigation and what we can learn from it By Donald Burr PLC Safety & Training Coordinator
In this month’s article, I would like to talk about accident investigation. In the past, we have spent much discussion/training time on responding to accidents, which is undoubtedly essential, but today I am going to discuss what to do after you have gotten the injured the help they need, and the emergency is over. Often, we are so happy that the emergency is over we don’t look at and learn from how the accident happened. In my opinion, this process is less about assigning blame for the accident and more about what we can learn from it. Think about it like education that you have paid for, and let’s get the most bang for a buck. As the employer, you are paying the bills for the accident. Why not learn from it? Looking at a simple slip, trip and fall accident. An employee walking across the garage carrying a large cardboard box (obstructing his view & weighing about 10 lbs.) steps on an oil patch, falls, and breaks his arm. Here are the steps that I think you should consider when investigating this fall, (based on the fishbone method). Materials a. List the materials involved at the time the accident occurred. Be sure to list all, not only those that caused the injury/illness. These materials include, but are not limited to: i. Material that contributed directly to the problem ii. Materials that require personal protective equipment to avoid unsafe conditions and personal exposure
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iii. Materials that require special precautions because of flammability, toxicity, temperature, etc. 1. (In this case) What were the materials involved? a. Large but not heavy box. b. Cement garage floor c. Oil puddle about 16” oval Equipment a. List the equipment used or associated with the accident or problem. List also the equipment that is intended to protect against being exposed. Include equipment that may not have directly caused the problem but was involved in the accident. i. (In this case) Was the proper equipment used? Proper boots (Yes) ii. Gloves (Yes) iii. Safety glasses (Yes) b. If corrective action is needed in the equipment area to prevent recurrence or eliminate exposure, list the identified problem along with recommended remedial action.
People, Methods and Procedures a. List the procedures or methods intended to protect against: i. The problem that occurred (oil spill left on the floor)
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