Accident investigation in occupational safety and health refers to the systematic process
of examining incidents or accidents that occur in the workplace with the aim of
understanding their root causes, contributing factors, and circumstances. The primary
goal of accident investigation is to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future
by identifying and addressing underlying hazards or deficiencies in safety procedures,
equipment, or training.
Purpose of Accident Investigation:
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1. Determine Root Causes: Accident investigations help identify the underlying causes
of an incident, whether they stem from equipment malfunction, human error, or
procedural deficiencies.
2. Prevent Recurrence: By understanding what led to an accident, organizations can
implement effective preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in
the future.
3. Improve Safety Procedures: Findings from accident investigations provide valuable
insights into areas where safety protocols may need strengthening or where additional
training may be required.
4. Legal Compliance: Compliance with occupational health and safety regulations often
requires thorough investigation and documentation of workplace accidents.
Accident investigation is a critical component of occupational safety and health management.
By thoroughly investigating accidents, organizations can identify and address underlying
hazards, ultimately creating safer and healthier workplaces for all employees. Remember,
proactive prevention is always better than reactive response when it comes to workplace
safety.
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/investig.html