Kevin Ian Schmidt

Category: Incident Investigation

  • Safety Shouldn’t Stumble on Paperwork: A Guide to Using Microsoft Forms for Incident Reporting

    Safety Shouldn’t Stumble on Paperwork: A Guide to Using Microsoft Forms for Incident Reporting

    Workplace safety isn’t just a slogan; it’s the beating heart of a thriving environment. And at the core of ensuring everyone goes home unharmed? Efficient incident reporting. But let’s face it, traditional channels can be clumsy and slow, turning a crucial process into a paperweight on someone’s desk. But enter the digital age, where tools like Microsoft Forms step in to revolutionize how we report safety incidents. This blog post isn’t just about singing the praises of technology; it’s about showing you how Microsoft Forms can be your secret weapon for simplifying and streamlining workplace safety reporting.

    Simplicity of Microsoft Forms for Incident Reporting

    1. Creating Customized Incident Report Forms: Microsoft Forms allows you to design customized forms tailored to your specific workplace safety needs. Easily include fields such as date, time, location, and detailed descriptions of the incident. The intuitive interface makes it simple for employees to fill out reports accurately.
    2. Accessibility and Ease of Use: One of the key advantages of using Microsoft Forms is its accessibility. Employees can access the forms from any device with an internet connection. This ensures that incident reports can be submitted promptly, whether on-site or remotely. The user-friendly design of Microsoft Forms makes it easy for employees at all tech proficiency levels to navigate.
    3. Collaboration made easy: Encourage open communication and teamwork by allowing employees to add photos, videos, and witness statements to reports, providing a clearer picture of what happened.
    4. Real-time Data Collection: Microsoft Forms enables real-time data collection, providing immediate insights into workplace incidents. Supervisors and safety officers can access the submitted forms instantly, allowing for a swift response to emerging safety concerns. This feature is particularly valuable in addressing time-sensitive issues and preventing potential risks.
    5. Automated Notifications and Alerts: Streamline your incident reporting workflow by setting up automated notifications and alerts. Microsoft Forms can be configured to notify designated individuals or teams when a new incident report is submitted. This ensures that the right people are promptly informed, facilitating quicker resolution and preventive measures.
    6. Integration with Microsoft 365: Microsoft Forms seamlessly integrates with the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem, providing a centralized platform for incident reporting. Data collected through Forms can be stored and analyzed using Excel or directly integrated into Power BI for comprehensive reporting and trend analysis. This integration ensures that incident reporting becomes an integral part of your overall safety management strategy.
    7. Secure Data Storage: Security is a top priority when dealing with sensitive incident data. Microsoft Forms offers secure data storage within the Microsoft 365 environment. This safeguards employee privacy and ensures compliance with data protection regulations.

    This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about empowering your employees to be active participants in their own safety. By making reporting accessible and straightforward, you’re building a culture of safety where everyone feels responsible and heard.

    So, ditch the papercuts and embrace the digital solution. Microsoft Forms can help you turn incident reporting from a chore into a proactive tool for building a safer, happier workplace. Remember, a smooth-running safety system isn’t just good for business; it’s good for everyone.

    Ready to take the plunge? Let’s explore how you can set up your own Microsoft Forms incident reporting system and start reaping the benefits of a truly digitized safety culture.

    Step-by-step guide on how to configure a customized form for incident reporting:

    Step 1: Access Microsoft Forms

    • Open your web browser and navigate to Microsoft Forms (forms.microsoft.com).
    • Log in with your Microsoft 365 credentials.

    Step 2: Create a New Form

    • Click on the “+ New Form” button to start creating a new form.

    Step 3: Design Your Incident Report Form

    • Add relevant fields for incident reporting, such as date, time, location, description, and any specific details required.
    • Utilize various question types (text, multiple-choice, etc.) to capture the necessary information accurately.
    • Do NOT be afraid to mark important questions as “required” to not allow the form to be submitted without it being answered.

    Step 4: Include Conditional Logic (if needed)

    • Use branching and conditional logic to tailor the form based on the type of incident being reported. This ensures that the form adapts dynamically to different scenarios.

    Step 5: Set Up Notifications

    • Click on “Settings” (gear icon) and select “Notifications.”
    • Configure email notifications to alert designated individuals or teams when a new incident report is submitted
      • These are only available for enterprise accounts

    Step 6: Customize Theme and Branding

    • Personalize the form’s appearance by selecting a theme and adding your organization’s branding elements.

    Step 7: Configure Form Settings

    • Adjust form settings, such as limiting responses, requiring sign-in for added security, and specifying who can respond to the form.
      • This is available for enterprise accounts only

    Step 8: Preview and Test the Form

    • Preview the form to ensure it appears as intended.
    • Test the form by submitting a sample incident report to verify that notifications are triggered correctly.

    Step 9: Share the Form

    • Click on the “Share” button to generate a link or embed code for the form.
    • Distribute the link to employees, ensuring easy access for incident reporting.
    Want a form to start using for your Microsoft 365 incident reporting system? I have a form available to start using here

    Step 10: Monitor and Analyze Responses

    • Regularly check the form’s responses tab to monitor incident reports in real-time.
    • Utilize Microsoft Forms’ integration with Microsoft 365 for detailed analysis and reporting.

    Step 11: Regularly Review and Update

    • Periodically review the incident reporting form to ensure it remains relevant.
    • Update the form based on any changes in workplace safety protocols or reporting requirements.

    By following these steps, you can seamlessly set up a workplace safety incident reporting system using Microsoft Forms. This streamlined process enhances data collection, notification efficiency, and overall workplace safety management.

    Pros and cons of using Microsoft Forms as an incident reporting tool:

    Pros:

    1. Ease of Use: Microsoft Forms has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy for employees to quickly fill out and submit incident reports with minimal training.
    2. Real-Time Data Collection: Forms can be submitted instantly, allowing for real-time data collection and immediate notifications when an incident occurs.
    3. Customizable Templates: Microsoft Forms allows for easy customization, enabling users to design incident reporting forms tailored to their organization’s specific needs.
    4. Integration with Other Microsoft Tools: Microsoft Forms integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools like Excel, SharePoint, and Teams, simplifying data analysis, collaboration, and reporting.
    5. Accessible on Multiple Devices: Microsoft Forms is accessible from smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it convenient for employees to report incidents from anywhere.

    Cons:

    1. Limited Features for Complex Reporting: Microsoft Forms may lack advanced features for detailed incident tracking, such as categorizing or prioritizing reports, making it less suitable for complex incident management systems.
    2. Data Storage Limitations: While Microsoft Forms can store responses, large organizations with high reporting volumes may run into limitations with storage and data organization.
    3. Basic Workflow Automation: Microsoft Forms has limited options for workflow automation, which may hinder the follow-up process for incident resolution without additional integration with other tools like Power Automate.
    4. No Offline Access: Employees must have an internet connection to submit a form, which can be a challenge in remote or disconnected locations.
    5. Limited Reporting Capabilities: Although data can be exported to Excel, Microsoft Forms does not offer robust built-in analytics or reporting features, requiring additional work to analyze the data effectively.
  • Accident Investigation Training- Intermediate

    Accident Investigation Training- Intermediate

    As you advance your team in a quality accident investigation program, it is imperative to continue their training to improve their skills.

    This accident investigation training is for intermediate level, so it is best recommended to start with the beginner’s training.

    5 Step Investigative Process

    • Response
    • Fact Finding
    • Analysis
    • Corrective Action
    • Follow-up

    The investigation process explained

    This training teaches the 5 steps of a quality accident investigation process, which goes beyond the initial investigation, but rather includes all steps and stresses importance of correcting hazards.

    We provide a beneficial training on root cause analysis, that will assist in the job skills needed for a high quality accident investigation. A quick root cause is imperative during the Response phase of an investigation, so all potential evidence and witnesses can be identified for a thorough investigation.

    During the Fact Finding phase of the investigation, you’ll continue to work towards an in-depth root cause. At this stage, it is recommended to use a root cause worksheet.

    During the Analysis phase of an investigation, this is when it is best to complete the Accident Analysis Report, which includes a full root cause worksheet. This analysis is a complete summary of all aspects of your investigation, including a full review of all written statements.

    The Corrective Action phase of an investigation is valuable to negate the hazard to ensure no one else is injured. This improves workplace safety, and ensures the workplace remains compliant to the OSHA General Duty Clause. I also offer a corrective action template, which is beneficial not just for assigning corrective actions, but also for quality follow-up, the final phase of the investigation process.

    Check Out: Budgeting for Training

    Other resources for safety investigations:

     

    This training is best conducted in a classroom presentation environment, but can also be done a part of a self-learning exercise. The most important aspect is that this training is a part of a continuing improvement of a workplace accident investigation program.

    Download and view the Intermediate Accident Investigation Training below

     

    Incident Investigation Training

     

  • Incident Investigation for Employers

    Incident Investigation for Employers

    As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for your employees. A great tool at your disposal, often overlooked is incident investigation. So many employers document an incident, taking statements, and cataloging that information away, until the next accident happens. BUT, if you instead investigate every incident, both near miss and injury incidents, you will begin creating a safer working environment, one where every incident is a learn experience, a chance for change, an opportunity to avoid a similar incident in the future.

    Five Reasons to Report and Analyze Incidents

    1) It is a tool for predicting accidents. The value of “near hit” reporting cannot be underestimated. We know that behaviors that cause “near hits” are essentially the same as the behaviors that cause “hits.” The only difference is a fraction of a second or a very small distance. Reporting “near hits” and working to remove the basic causes and the leadership/control problems will reduce accidents. Studies have shown that over 75% of all accidents which resulted in injury or property damage were preceded by similar “near hit” incidents.

    2) The method has been tested. Researchers have tested the concept of “near hit” reporting in two different fields. Firstly, a study in the US Air Force focused on the use of aircraft equipment. During the study, a total of 270 incidents described as “pilot error,” were investigated. By collecting the causes of the errors, it was possible to detect similarities and trends. Secondly, another study carried out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US, set out to evaluate the technique of “near hit” reporting. Their findings make interesting reading.

    1) Reporting and managing “near hits,” proved to reveal factors which were described as “errors and unsafe conditions” which lead to industrial accidents.

    2) The technique was able to identify the basic causes of incidents which led to loss.

    3) Potentially serious industrial accidents were identified by “near hit” reporting.

    3) It is an effective way of reporting incidents. It seems that people are much readier to discuss “near hits” than about personal injury or even property damage. Psychologists assume that this is because there has been no loss and the person may feel that they have contributed to the avoidance of damage or injury. This factor alone may be the reason why people may be more willing to discuss “near hits.”

    There are many reasons for not reporting incidents which cause personal injury and damage.

    1) Fear of blame.

    2) Poor understanding of the need to report.

    3) A feeling that management will use the information against the staff.

    4) Fear of spoiling a good accident record.

    5) An “anti-management” perception.

    In most cases, there are not the same barriers to reporting “near hits.” However, there is a perception held by a small minority that this type of initiative is worthless. The greater number of employees are prepared to understand the value of reporting and acting on “near hits.”

    In a large engineering work shop, the number of “near hits” reported were shown on the same graph as the lost time injuries. The evidence was plain. As “near hit” reporting increased so lost time accidents dropped, and as “near hit” reporting declined, so the lost time accidents increased.

    The information collected from the “near hit” reports form the basis for understanding the causes of accident in the work place.

    4) It can be used to inform and educate the staff. When “near hits” are reported, the information can be used in a team talk to make the rest of the staff aware of the potential danger of a method or procedure. This information can be used throughout the country where there are work groups operating in a similar fashion. Regular team talks which include “near hit” information send an important message from the team leader to the staff. “Your safety is important to us.” In addition, when team members report “near hits,” they will feel that they are contributing to the improved safety of the work place. The team leader can use positive reinforcement to recognize this contribution of the team member.

    5) It is a way to develop leadership skills. The use of “near hit” reporting can help a team leader to develop important leadership skills. He or she can use of positive reinforcement to motivate the continuing reporting of “near hits.” Once a “near hit” has been reported the team leader can develop the use of questioning techniques to explore the circumstances surrounding the incident and put in place a method of prevention. Careful use of these skills will allow team members to contribute to the overall safety in the area and even have some influence in other work places.

    This training explains how to investigate an incident, if you need more components of an incident investigation program, check out what else I have here

    Beyond simply investigating the incident, you need to know how to root cause the incident as part of the investigation.

    Download & view the Incident Investigation for Employers Training below:

    Incident Investigation Guide – OSHA

     

  • Simple Incident Investigation Policy

    Simple Incident Investigation Policy

    Accidents happen in the workplace. It’s an unfortunate but true fact. In despite of all the hard work companies do to avoid accidents, occasionally something goes wrong. When it does it’s important to conduct a thorough investigation into what went wrong. After all, it’s even more of a tragedy if someone else gets hurt or killed in the same way and there was something that could have been done differently to stop it.

    The cause of some accidents is obvious, but that’s not always the case. By following clear and concise steps, investigators can uncover underlying causes of a mishap. An Accident Investigation has two main goals. One is to determine the cause of the accident. The other is to use this information to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. Everyone in a company should be ready to help investigators solve the investigation. While this may be difficult for some employees, they need to be reminded of the ultimate goal of the investigation – a safer workplace.

    How to Investigate an Accident Or Incident in 9 Easy Steps

    Get the overall picture by interviewing the people who know most about the accident or incident. This will enable you to carry out a thorough accident investigation.

    1) Create the “right” environment. Create an atmosphere of co-operation. Explain reason for the interview- prevention. Ask for person’s help. Ask your questions and listen carefully to the answers. Make notes and draw diagrams.

    2) Interview as close as possible to the site of the accident/incident. This helps the accuracy of the witnesses because they are able to point and sometimes demonstrate what actually happened. At this stage, make absolutely certain you know where the witness was standing when the accident or the incident took place. This is because sometimes witnesses could not have seen what actually happened from where they were standing. There is a tendency for witnesses to assume what actually happened, even when they didn’t see it.

    3) Discussions should be private When you interview the witnesses, interview them one at a time. This will give you better information and there is no conflict with witnesses arguing about what happened. If descriptions don’t match there is only one option. Re-interview

    4) Get the person’s perception of the accident/incident. Make sure that there is no outside influence or bias and as you listen remember to try not to interrupt. At this stage you are gathering information only. There is no need to evaluate the accident or the incident until you have collected all the information possible.

    5) Listen more than you talk. Encourage the person to talk, listen to the answers and help the person not to become defensive or accept any blame for the accident or incident. Remember, the more they talk, the more you will learn.

    6) Repeat the story back once you have heard it Once you have heard the witness’s account firstly check your understanding by repeating the account back to the witness. This gives the person a chance to hear what they’ve said and correct or confirm it. The repetition allows the words and meanings to be matched.

    7) End the discussion by thanking the person for their help. Thank the person for their help and cooperation and repeat that you are gathering information so that this sort of incident can be prevented in the future.

    8) Note vital information at once. Make notes rather than try to write down the complete dialogue unless the person gave you some really critical information.

    9) Keep open the opportunity for further communication. Give the person the opportunity to get back to you in case they remember something at a later date. It always pays to go back to the person the following day or so, and have a casual conversation about the incident. Often vital information is a gathered at this point.

    Check Out: Incident Investigation: Top 10 Mistakes

    While a lot can be learned from accidents, we can learn also learn from “near misses” as well. Those incidents that didn’t involve an accident but could have easily had terrible result. Make sure that near-misses are always reported so that your supervisor can address them. The information learned from a near-miss is far less expensive than what is learned from an accident. Remember, prevention is always the best cure.

    No matter how safe workers do their jobs, an accident can always happen. Make sure you follow the basic steps to enable accident investigators to do their job correctly and find the “root cause” of the incident. An accident investigation can create a safer workplace and that’s good for everyone. Who knows it might save a life some day.

    Download & view the Simple Accident Investigation Policy below:

    CONDUCTING AN ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

     

  • Accident Prevention Planning Form

    Accident Prevention Planning Form

    After conducting a thorough accident investigation, you will come up with corrective actions. These corrective actions need to be implemented for change management.

    Corrective and preventative actions are generated from varying sources including safety meetings, inspections, accident investigations, unsafe act and unsafe condition reporting and from audits, and are simply measures that need to be undertaken to ensure that a particular requirement is implemented.

     

     

    These actions can be either corrective actions or preventative actions;

    • a corrective action means a situation has been re-instated to its original state, so replacing a machine guard that was improperly removed that caused an injury is a corrective action;
    • a preventative action will put into place arrangements which will prevent a re-occurrence, to stop the machine guard from being removed improperly in the first place.

    An action that many think of as “common sense” and “simple” continues to appear on 3rd party audit reports and OSHA/EPA citations year after year.  So why is something which is “common sense” and “simple” so difficult to comply with?  Often times we make something simple too difficult for our own good.  Lets examine the PSM/RMP requirements for tracking “recommendations” from process safety activities:

    1910.119(e)(5) The employer shall establish a system to promptly address the team’s findings and recommendations; assure that the recommendations are resolved in a timely manner and that the resolution is documented; document what actions are to be taken; complete actions as soon as possible; develop a written schedule of when these actions are to be completed;  communicate the actions to operating, maintenance and other employees whose work assignments are in the process and who may be affected by the recommendations or actions.

    1910.119(j)(5) Equipment deficiencies. The employer shall correct deficiencies in equipment that are outside acceptable limits (defined by the process safety information in paragraph (d) of this section) before further use or in a safe and timely manner when necessary means are taken to assure safe operation.

    1910.119(m)(5) The employer shall establish a system to promptly address and resolve the incident report findings and recommendations. Resolutions and corrective actions shall be documented.

    1910.119(o)(4) The employer shall promptly determine and document an appropriate response to each of the findings of the compliance audit, and document that deficiencies have been corrected.

    Use of a tracking form is considered an accident prevention best practice

    By using a tracking form, all corrective or preventative actions, can be tracked for compliance, or more importantly for quality of action taken.

    With all of this in mind, look at the corrective action tracking form below, and see how it can aid your organization and corrective safety measures:

     

    Accident Prevention Planning

     

     

  • Fatality, Amputation, and Hospitalization Report

    Fatality, Amputation, and Hospitalization Report

    OSHA has specific reporting requirements for serious injuries that occur within a facility.

    The OSHA notification requirements are as follows:

    • Hospitalization: This is for a work related hospitalization, and must be reported within 24 hours;
    • Amputation: This is for a work related amputation, and must be reported within 24 hours;
    • Loss of Eye: This is for a work related loss of eye, and must be reported within 24 hours;
    • Fatality: This includes all fatalities that occur within the workplace, and must be reported within 8 hours.

     

    Note the difference of any fatality, being required to report within 8 hours AND for ANY fatality within a workplace.

    For Example: if an employee suffers a heart attack, the fatality should result in a call to OSHA.

    When these incidents occur, it is a turbulent time in the workplace. Having a process in place, with a basic form, such as this report helps keep the process streamlined.

    This report includes all the information OSHA requires:

    • Business name;
    • names of employees affected;
    • location and time of the incident,
    • brief description of the incident;
    • contact person and phone number.

    – Source

    How does OSHA define “Hospitalization”?

    OSHA defines in-patient hospitalization as a formal admission to the in-patient service of a hospital or clinic for care or treatment. Treatment in an Emergency Room only is not reportable.

    How does OSHA define “amputation”?

    An amputation is the traumatic loss of all or part of a limb or other external body part. This would include fingertip amputations with or without bone loss; medical amputations resulting from irreparable damage; and amputations of body parts that have since been reattached. If and when there is a health care professional’s diagnosis available, the employer should rely on that diagnosis.

    If a fatality occurs within 30 days of the work-related incident, or if an in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye occurs within 24 hours of the work-related incident, then you must report the event to OSHA.

     

    This form is a beneficial component of a total accident investigation program. If you feel your organization needs more components of an incident investigation program, find them here.

     

    Download and view the Amputation, Hospitalization & Fatality report form below:

    Fatality Report
  • Accident Investigation Report

    Accident Investigation Report

    A proper investigation after an accident is best summarized with a post accident investigation report.

    This form is a summary of your entire investigation, and should be completed with assistance from all statements, evidence, witnesses, and the injured party.

    Accident investigations are intended to determine the cause of an incident, to identify unsafe conditions or acts and to recommend corrective actions so that similar incidents don’t occur in the future. In conducting an accident investigation, the team must look beyond the immediate causes of an incident. It is far too easy, and often misleading, to conclude that carelessness or failure to follow a procedure alone was the cause of an incident. The purpose is prevention, not blame. To do so fails to discover the underlying or root causes of the incident, and therefore fails to identify the systemic changes and measures needed to prevent future incidents. When a shortcoming is identified, it is important to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed. After an investigation, employers should without any undue delay take corrective actions to mitigate all of the identified hazards.

    For example:

    • If a procedure or safety rule was not followed, why was the procedure or rule not followed? This might be an opportunity to review the workplace job hazard analysis, and determine if the rule is appropriate.
    • Did production pressures play a role, and, if so, why were production pressures permitted to jeopardize safety?
    • Was the procedure out-of-date or safety training inadequate? If so, why had the problem not been previously identified, or, if it had been identified, why had it not been addressed?

     

    Following these steps can make for an effective accident investigation process, allowing for better identification of all contributing factors:

    • Report the accident to the designated person
    • Provide first aid and medical care to injured person(s) and prevent further injuries or damage
    • Investigate the accident
    • Identify the causes
    • Report the findings
    • Develop a plan for corrective action
    • Implement the plan
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the corrective action
    • Make changes for continuous improvement

     

    View & Download the Accident Investigation Report below:

    Accident Investigation Report

     

     

  • Contributing Factors: Lift, Push, Pull Injuries

    Contributing Factors: Lift, Push, Pull Injuries

    Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), these are injuries to the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and joints that support and bind tissues and organs together so the body can move and sustain itself.

    MSDs are the most common injury at work. They cost the economy dearly in lost productivity and high workers compensation costs. This is despite known and accessible methods to prevent or minimize risk of injury.

    The sources of risk are well known. They are poorly planned work processes, unsafe workplace layout and tasks done unsafely.

    The most common Musculoskeletal disorders are:

    • Neck:
      • Tension Neck Syndrome,
      • Cervical Spine Syndrome;
    • Shoulder:
      • Shoulder Tendonitis,
      • Shoulder Bursitis,
      • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome;
    • Elbow:
      • Epicondylitis,
      • Olecranon Bursitis,
      • Radial Tunnel Syndrome,
      • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome;
    • Wrist/Hand:
      • De Quervain Disease,
      • Tenosynovitis Wrist / Hand,
      • Synovial Cyst,
      • Trigger Finger,
      • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,
      • Guyon’s Canal Syndrome,
      • Hand-Arm Syndrome,
      • Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome.

    The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety has a very in-depth article concerning MSDs here.

    There is nothing inherently wrong with relying on lifting, pulling or pushing to do work. Many tasks still cannot be done any other way even with advances in some industries to automate much heavy and repetitive manual work.

    When conducting an incident investigation after an incident from a lifting, pushing, pulling incident, you need to consider all contributing factors.

    This form is a list of factors to consider in the course of an investigation. As with any root cause investigation, it can be a mix of contributing factors vs just a single factor.

    Some of the factors here are not simple corrections, where as other factors are easily corrected with training, awareness, or procedural change.

    Don’t be afraid of change management simply because it appears daunting.

    Do you have all of the required accident investigation forms you would need to improve workplace safety? You can find more components of a quality program here.

    View & Download the Contributing Factor Worksheet here:

    lift push pull contributing factors
  • Property Damage – Accident Investigation Form

    Property Damage – Accident Investigation Form

    Many times when an accident occurs that is just property damage, it is overlooked in the investigation process, because no injury occurs. That is actually a root cause of an injury accident, because if property damage was investigated thoroughly, it could identify issues that if events were different could have resulted in an injury.

    When doing a property damage investigation, it should be treated equally to an injury accident, this includes conducting a root cause.

    If your employees aren’t trained on root cause analysis,  check out the training presentation here. This training explains how to find the root cause of every incident, which can mitigate future incidents.

    Don’t overlook my book on Root Cause Analysis available for sale on Amazon

    Other forms you want to include in a property damage investigation:

    Check out all other incident investigation forms available

    A property damage investigation can be difficult, as not all property damage is reported, which means occasionally an investigation is conducted without a witness, without an involved party, and very few facts. In the event of this, an investigation should still be conducted, using the best information available.

    A good defense against this type of investigation is a safety rule that if accidents are reported, it will result in no punishment. Many companies don’t wish to put that clause into employee rules, for fear they can not discipline employees for horseplay that results in property damage, but that isn’t true, as if horseplay is against the rules, you won’t be documenting them for the accident, but rather the horseplay. This encourages employees to come forward when an accident results in property damage that is a result of improper setup, or lack of training, therefore assisting in investigations to negate these accidents from occurring.

    Download & View the Property Damage Investigation Report below:

    Property Damage Investigation
  • Accident Analysis Report – SAMPLE

    Accident Analysis Report – SAMPLE

    sample accident analysis report - free downloadAn accident analysis report should be conducted for every accident, but also conducting an accident analysis for a near miss will create a safer workplace. It may seem excessive to treat every near miss as a full accident, but a near miss is just an accident where someone didn’t happen, this time.

    A quality incident analysis consists of a root cause of every underlying factor, and corrective action for all identified.

    I provide root cause training  on my blog here

    This incident analysis report includes a root cause worksheet and instructions of use, so including it in your accident investigation packet serves as a constant reminder.

    I have also published a book for Root Cause Analysis, available in softcover and hardcover. Check out my book on Amazon.

    Reasons to Conduct an Accident Analysis for all Incidents:

    1. accident investigations are important even with a near missMore incidents and observations mean more data to analyze
    2. Incidents, observations, and investigations keep us aware
    3. Incident reporting is a key habit that creates culture
    4. Minor incidents and observations help to find out why serious incidents do not occur

    The need for every near miss to be treated as an accident in the course of the investigation is based around the understanding that for every accident that results in an injury, there were 10 accidents in which no one was hurt, and for every one of those there were 10 near misses. So, that means that for every injury accident, there were 100 chances to address this issue, BEFORE someone was injured.

    I have available all the necessary components of a comprehensive Incident Investigation Program.

     

    This accident analysis report is a complete summary of your investigation, and is great for group review with an accident investigation committee or a workplace safety committee.

    The four-point approach to accident analysis

    You hope an accident doesn’t occur, but if one does, investigate and this systematic approach to analysis the investigation notes.

    • Collect data: Ideally, accidents should be investigated right away. Talk to witnesses as soon as possible. Take pictures and review maintenance and training records.
    • Identify the causes: By identifying the causes (there could be several), you can reduce the risk of a similar incident occurring. Accident investigation looks at four possible causes:
      • Equipment: Is it working properly? Are the guards and other safety precautions present and functioning?
      • At-risk behaviors: Were there safety procedures that weren’t implemented? Are safety procedures routinely enforced? Was the employee working alone?
      • Personnel: Was the employee properly trained for this particular job? Which shift was the employee working, and how long was the employee’s shift? Was the employee wearing personal protective equipment?
      • Environment: Was the work area properly lighted? Were work surfaces and the floor free of clutter? Was noise an issue? What about chemicals or dust? Was space sufficient to do the task? Was the workspace adjusted to the employee’s ergonomic needs?
    • Analyze the findings: Examine the facts and observations. Distinguish between immediate causes and underlying causes.
      • Examples of immediate causes: Unsafe conditions like a broken rung on a ladder or other mechanical failure, or an unsafe action by an employee such as running instead of walking.
      • Examples of underlying causes: Poor machine maintenance, a missing machine guard, a crowded work area or lack of training.
    • Develop a plan for corrective action: Here’s where you have a chance to learn from what’s happened and take steps to prevent it from happening again. Make recommendations to remedy each of the possible causes you identified. For example, you might suggest changes to machinery, work procedures, employee training, safety process or personnel.
    Check Out: Simple Solutions to Reduce Workplace Accidents

    A quality corrective action requires temporary measures, such as:

    • taking equipment out of service
    • training employees on safe operation of equipment
    • changing policies and/or procedures within the workplace
    • conducting an updated job hazard analysis

    While also planning for permanent corrective actions such as:

    • implementing a preventative maintenance program
    • routine workplace inspections for deficiencies
    • training employees on hazard identification
    • creating a culture of workplace safety

    Temporary corrective actions are ones that can be implemented anywhere from immediately after the incident up to 15 days, while a long term corrective action may take up years to fully roll-out and will require a commitment from the top of the organization.

    View and Download the Sample Accident Analysis Form below

     

    Sample Accident-Analysis Report