Accident/incident investigation provides a mechanism for recognizing, evaluating and controlling workplace hazards. It determines why the accident or incident occurred and identifies corrective action to be taken to prevent recurrences.
Accident – an undesired event that results in a personal injury or illness, or damage to or loss of property, process or environment
Incident (near miss) – an undesired event that, under slightly different conditions, could have resulted in an injury or loss
Employers are required to report serious accidents to the province’s Department of Government Services. Accidents that result in personal injury or property damage, and incidents that have a high potential for injury or property damage, should be investigated depending on their severity and the potential for them to recur. By investigating incidents, accidents can be prevented.
An individual or team should be established to conduct investigations, with all team members trained in the process and knowledgeable of workplace conditions and procedures. Your workplace should have an accident/ incident investigation form available to use in the investigation process.
The steps to follow in an accident/incident investigation:
- Respond to the accident
- Conduct the investigation
- Find the basic cause and take corrective action
- Complete the accident/incident investigation report
- Follow-up on recommendations
- Evaluate corrective actions
A sample investigation form is available here.
For the purposes of PRIME Practice Incentive requirements you must have:
- Completed investigation forms available for accidents/incidents that have occurred
- A procedure to ensure that all hazardous occurrences are promptly reported and investigated as required
PRIME home page