ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

CORPORATE SAFETY TRAINING

29 CFR 1904

WELCOME
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
 COURSE OBJECTIVES
NOTE
This Course Is Designed to Introduce Basic Skills
in Accident Investigation. Root cause analysis and
statistical evaluation of accidents can be very
complex. This course is designed for the majority
of cases that can be diagnosed rapidly and where
outside assistance is not normally required.
 COURSE OBJECTIVES
(Continued)

Accident Prevention.
Introduce Accident Investigation & Establish Its
Role in Todays Industry.
Introduce Some Basic Skills in the Recognition &
Control of Occupational Hazards.
Provide Basic Accident Investigation Skills for
Supervisors.
Introduce Accident Investigation Techniques.
 BASIS FOR THIS COURSE
Statistically, accident investigation results in prevention
Elimination of workplace injuries & illnesses where possible
Reduction of workplace injuries & illnesses where possible
Development of efficient accident investigative procedures
OSHA Safety Standards require:
Accidents be investigated
Training be conducted
Hazards and precautions be explained
A Safety program be established
Job Hazards be assessed and controlled
 REGULATORY STANDARD
THE GENERAL DUTY CLAUSE

FEDERAL - 29 CFR 1903.1

EMPLOYERS MUST: Furnish a place of employment

free of recognized hazards that are causing or are likely
to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
Employers must comply with occupational safety and
health standards promulgated under the Williams-
Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

OSHA ACT OF 1970

 APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS

1904 - RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS

ACC IDENT INVESTIGATION

 APPLICABLE REGULATIONS

ANSI - Z16.2 - 1995

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT FOR
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

ANSI - Z16.3 - 1994

INJURY STATISTICS, EMPLOYEE OFF THE
JOB INJURY EXPERIENCE RECORDING
AND MEASURING
 OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY

BEFORE MARCH 1, 1991:

VIOLATION NARRATIVE: TEN (10) EMPLOYEES WERE

NOTED NOT WEARING EYE PROTECTION IN AREAS
WHERE A REASONABLE PROBABILITY OF EYE INJURY
COULD OCCUR.
DANGER
PENALTY: $500
EYE PROTECTION
REQUIRED BEYOND
THIS POINT
OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY
(Continued)

AS OF MARCH 1, 1991:

CHANGES IN PENALTY COMPUTATION:

1. PENALTIES BROKEN OUT INDIVIDUALLY.

2. PENALTIES INCREASED SEVEN FOLD.
 OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY
(Continued)

AS OF MARCH 1, 1991:

VIOLATION NARRATIVE: TEN (10) EMPLOYEES WERE

NOTED NOT WEARING EYE PROTECTION IN AREAS
WHERE A REASONABLE PROBABILITY OF EYE
INJURY COULD OCCUR.

$ 10 VIOLATIONS TIMES $500 = $5000

$ 5000 TIMES SEVEN = $35,000

PENALTY: $35000 BEFORE MARCH, 1991: $500

AS OF MARCH, 1991: $35,000
 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ALL EMPLOYERS MUST: ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION

Review job specific hazards

PROGRAM
ACC IDENT INVESTIGATION

Implement corrective actions

Conduct hazard assessments
Conduct accident investigations
Provide training to all required employees
Install engineering controls where possible
Institute administrative controls where possible
Control workplace hazards using PPE as a last resort
 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
IS IMPORTANT
A GOOD PROGRAM WILL HELP:
Improve quality.
Improve absenteeism. SAFETY
STATISTICS
Maintain a healthier work force.
Reduce injury and illness rates.
Acceptance of high-turnover jobs.
Workers feel good about their work.
Reduce workers compensation costs.
Elevate SAFETY to a higher level of awareness.
 ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
IS ALSO PREVENTION
It is estimated that in the United States, 97% of the
money spent for medical care is directed toward
treatment of an illness, injury or disability. Only 3%
is spent on prevention.

Self-Help Manual For Your Back

H. Duane Saunders, MSPT
by Educational Opportunities
 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION PROGRAM REQUIRES:

DEDICATION
PERSONAL INTEREST
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

NOTE:
UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE WORK FORCE
IS ESSENTIAL, WITHOUT IT THE PROGRAM WILL FAIL!
 KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS

TRAINING
SAFETY COMMITTEE
WORKSITE ANALYSIS
STATISTICAL REVIEWS
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
PROMPT INVESTIGATIONS
SUPERVISOR INVOLVEMENT
HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
 KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)

WORKSITE ANALYSIS

RECORDS REVIEW SAF ETY

PERIODIC SURVEYS
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
SYSTEMATIC SITE ANALYSIS
 KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)

SAFETY COMMITTEE
GOAL SETTING
WRITTEN PROGRAM
EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
REGULAR PROGRAM ACTIVITY
TOP MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
PERIODIC PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION
 KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)

HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL

PPE REDUCTION
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS
OPTIMIZATION OF WORK PRACTICES

DANGER

EYE PROTECTION
REQUIRED BEYOND
THIS POINT
 MANAGEMENTS ROLE
CONSIDERATIONS:

1. SUPPORT THE PROCESS.

2. ENSURE YOUR SUPPORT IS VISIBLE.
3. GET INVOLVED.
4. ATTEND THE SAME TRAINING AS YOUR WORKERS.
5. INSIST ON PERIODIC FOLLOW-UP & PROGRAM REVIEW.
6. IMPLEMENT WAYS TO MEASURE EFFECTIVENESS.
 THE SUPERVISORS ROLE
CONSIDERATIONS:

1. TREAT ALL NEAR-MISSES AS AN ACCIDENT.

2. GET INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION.
3. COMPLETE THE PAPERWORK (WORK ORDERS, POLICY
CHANGES, ETC.) TO MAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS.
4. GET YOUR WORKERS INVOLVED.
5. NEVER RIDICULE ANY INJURY.
6. BE PROFESSIONAL - YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE TODAY.
7. ATTEND THE SAME TRAINING AS YOUR WORKERS.
8. FOLLOW-UP ON THE ACTIONS YOU TOOK.
 THE EMPLOYEES ROLE
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. REPORT ALL ACCIDENTS AND NEAR-MISSES IMMEDIATELY.
2. CONTRIBUTE TO MAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS.
3. ALWAYS PROVIDE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION.
4. FOLLOW-UP WITH ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 WRITTEN PROGRAM

WRITTEN PROGRAMS MUST BE:

DEVELOPED
IMPLEMENTED
CONTROLLED
PERIODICALLY REVIEWED
 SAFETY COMMITTEE
COMMITTEES SHOULD:
Hold regular accident review meetings.
Document meetings.
Encourage employee involvement.
Bring employee complaints, suggestions, or
concerns to the attention of management.
Feedback without fear of reprisal should be provided.
Analyze statistical data concerning accidents, and make
recommendations for corrective action.
Follow-up is critical.
 PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION

EVALUATION TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:

Analysis of trends in injury/illness rates.
Job hazard analysis assessments.
Employee surveys.
Review of results of facility evaluations.
Up-to-date records of job improvements tried or
implemented.
Before and after surveys/evaluations of job/worksite
changes.
 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE CONTROLS

ENGINEERING CONTROLS FIRST CHOICE

Work Station Design Tool Selection and Design
Process Modification Mechanical Assist

ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS SECOND CHOICE

Training Programs Job Rotation/Enlargement
Pacing Policy and Procedures

PERSONNEL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LAST CHOICE

Gloves Wraps
Shields Eye Protection
Non-Slip Shoes Aprons
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Domino Theory.
Multiple Causation Theory.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Domino Theory.
The occurrence of an injury invariably
results from a completed sequence of
factors, the last one of these being the
injury itself. The accident which
caused the injury is in turn invariably
caused or permitted directly by the
unsafe act of a person and/or a
mechanical or physical hazard.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Domino Theory.
(One act or condition)
The unsafe act: Climbing a defective ladder.
The unsafe condition: A defective ladder.
The corrective action 1: Replace the ladder.
The corrective action 2: Forbid use of ladder.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Multiple Causation Theory.
Factors combined in random fashion
to cause accidents.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Multiple Causation Theory.

(Contributing factors)
Was he or she properly trained?
Was he or she reminded not to use it?
Did the employee know not to use it?
Why did the supervisor allow its use?
Did the supervisor examine the job first?
Why was the defective ladder not found?
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Unsafe Acts
Horseplay.
Defeating safety devices.
Failure to secure or warn.
Operating without authority.
Working on moving equipment.
Taking an unsafe position or posture.
Operating or working at an unsafe speed.
Unsafe loading, placing, mixing, combining.
Failure to use personal protective equipment.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Unsafe Conditions (Environmental)

Improper PPE.
Improper tools.
Improper guarding.
Poor housekeeping.
Improper ventilation.
Defective equipment.
Improper illumination.
Unsafe dress or apparel.
Hazardous arrangement.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Unsafe Personal Factors
Fatigue.
Unclassified
Improper attitude.
Defective hearing.
Defective eyesight.
Muscular weakness.
Lack of required skill.
Intoxication (alcohol, drugs).
Lack of required knowledge
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Behavioristic Causes
Improper attitude.
Lack of knowledge or skill.
Physical or mental impairment
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Types of Accidents
Slip, Trip.
Struck by.
Overexertion.
Struck against.
Fall on same level.
Fall to different level.
Caught in, on, or between.
Contact with - heat or cold.
Contact with - electric current.
Inhalation, absorption, ingestion, poisoning.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Key Facts
Accident type.
Nature of injury.
Source of the injury.
Location of accident.
Hazardous condition.
Affected part of body.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION

Assessing the Facts

Nationality.

Language.
Occupation.
Responsibility.

Gender.
Department.
Name of supervisor.
Age.

Years employed.
Length of time on job. Type of accident.
Environmental cause.
Unsafe act.
Behavioristic cause.
Cost.
Time lost.
 ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Steps in Causal Analysis
1. Obtain the supervisor report of the accident.
2. Obtain the injured workers report (if possible).
3. Obtain reports from witnesses, if any.
4. Investigate the accident.
5. Record all the facts.
6. Assess the specifics of the accident.
7. Correlate the specifics with known trends.
8. Determine a course of action to take.
9. Assign responsibility for corrective action.
10. Follow-up as required.
 ACCIDENT REPORTING

WHAT SHOULD BE REPORTED:

All injuries or job-related illnesses.

Near-miss incidents.
Vehicular, structural or equipment damage.
Procedural deficiencies.
Potentially unsafe conditions.
Potentially unsafe behaviors.
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION

Purpose of the Investigation:

Determine principal causes.
Determine contributing causes.
Develop strategies for corrective action.
Establish a timetable for corrective action.
Assign responsibility for corrective actions.
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

Collecting the data:

JHA assessment forms.
Direct observation.
Video Tape.
Action photographs.
Documentary accounts.
Accident statistics.
Employee interviews.
Employee surveys.
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

TANGIBLE INDICATORS:
Accident Records SAFETY
STATISTICS
Production Records
Personnel Records
Employee Surveys
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

TEAM COMPOSITION:
Supervisor.
Safety officer.
Maintenance.
Field experts (if needed).
Care provider (if needed).
Injured employee (if possible).
Who else can you think of that may be needed?
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:

WHO?
WHAT?
WHY?
WHEN?
WHERE?
HOW?
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHO?
Who was injured?
Who was working with him/her?
Who else witnessed the accident?
Who else was involved in the accident?
Who is the employee's immediate supervisor?
Who rendered first aid or medical treatment?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHAT?
What was the injured employees explanation?
What were they doing at the time of the accident?
What was the position at the time of the accident?
What is the exact nature of the injury?
What operation was being performed?
What materials were being used?
What safe-work procedures were provided?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHAT?
What personal protective equipment was used?
What PPE was required?
What elements could have contributed?
What guards were available but not used?
What environmental conditions contributed?
What related safety procedures need revision?
What shift was the employee working?
What ergonomic factors were involved?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHEN?
When did the accident occur?
When did the employee start his/her shift?
When did the employee begin employment?
When was job-specific training received?
When did the supervisor last visit the job?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHY?
Why did the accident occur?
Why did the employee do what he/she did?
Why did co-workers do what they did?
Why did conditions come together at that moment?
Why was the employee in the specific position?
Why were the specific tool/equipment selected?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHERE?
Where did the accident occur?
Where was the employee positioned?
Where were eyewitnesses positioned?
Where was the supervisor at the time?
Where was first aid initially given?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

HOW?
How did the accident occur?
How many hours had the employee worked?
How did the employee get injured (specifically)?
How could the injury have been avoided?
How could witnesses have prevented it?
How could witnesses have better helped?
HOW COULD THE COMPANY HAVE PREVENTED IT?
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

WHAT'S NEXT?
Instruct employee in proper behavior?
Warn employee of potential hazard?
Supply appropriate safeguard?
Supply appropriate PPE?
Eliminate the unsafe condition?
Repair or modify the unsafe condition?
Implement procedural changes?
 CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
Continued

INTERVIEWING WITNESSES:
Select a comfortable, private location.
Set the person at ease.
Explain that the situation, not them is the focus.
Solicit ideas to prevent future recurrence.
Consider diagrams or drawings.
Remain neutral in your demeanor.
Take notes or record the discussion.
Review the statements before terminating.
 WRITING THE REPORT
REPRESENTING THE DATA:
Condense into the company accident form.
Compile statistical data for representation.
Assign responsibility and prioritize.
Make recommendations for correction.
Recommend a timetable for correction.
Consider funding for corrective actions.
Forward copies to OSHA as required.
Distribute internally as required.
Follow-up at periodic intervals.
 WRITINGContinued
THE REPORT
FORMULATING CONTROL MEASURES
TRAINING INITIATION OR ENHANCEMENT
ELIMINATE OR REDUCE EXPOSURE
ENGINEERING CONTROL MEASURES
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL MEASURES
APPLICATION OF SAFE WORK PRACTICES
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
FOLLOW-UP

THE GREATEST
DEFICIENCY IN
ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION IS
LACK OF COMPETENT
FOLLOW-UP!
 INCIDENCE RATES

INCIDENCE RATE CALCULATION: Incidence rates can be

calculated by counting the incidences and reporting the
recordable injuries per 100 full time workers per year per facility.

(NUMBER OF NEW CASES X 200,000*)

NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED/FACILITY/YEAR

* 200,000 = Approximate annual work hours for 100 workers per facility.
* The same method can be applied to departments production lines, or
job types with each facility.
 JOB DESIGN
GOOD JOB DESIGN
REDUCES Discomfort, Fatigue, Aches & Pains
Injuries & Illnesses, Work Restrictions

AVOIDS Absenteeism, Turnover, Complaints,

Poor Performance, Poor Vigilance

ABATES Accidents, Production Problems,

Poor Quality, Scrap/Rework
 JOB DESIGN
Continued

GOOD JOB DESIGN

EMPLOYEE:
PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Earning Power,
Loss in Quality of Life, Pain & Suffering

EMPLOYER:
PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Expertise,
Compensation Costs, Damaged Goods
& Equipment
 TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS

REMEMBER, YOU CONTROL YOUR FACILITY OR AREA!

REVIEW THEIR PROCEDURES WITH THEM BEFORE

STARTING THE JOB!

DETERMINE THEIR SAFETY PERFORMANCE RECORD!

DETERMINE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THEIR PEOPLE!

DETERMINE HOW THEY WILL AFFECT YOUR EMPLOYEES!

 OSHA'S PERCEPTION
OF A SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM

1. DETAILED WRITTEN REPORTS.

2. DETAILED WRITTEN PROCEDURES
3. EXTENSIVE EMPLOYEE TRAINING PROGRAMS
4. PERIODIC REINFORCEMENT OF TRAINING
5. DISCIPLINED PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
6. FOLLOW-UP
 WORK AT WORKING SAFELY

Training is the key to success in managing safety in the

work environment. Attitude is also a key factor in
maintaining a safe workplace. Safety is, and always will
be a team effort, safety starts with each individual
employee and concludes with everyone leaving at the
end of the day to rejoin their families.

Patricia A. Ice
Industrial Hygienist