Accident Investigation
Accident investigations must be done when there is a fatality, injury, illness, or a near miss. An accident is an unexpected event that results in an injury or illness. A near miss is also an unexpected event but does not result in an injury or illness.
Why investigate?
California employers are required to conduct an investigation after an injury or illness is reported. A best practice is to investigate near misses the same way.
Accident Investigation – It’s a Must
You Can Learn a Lot From a Near Miss Incident
Conducting the investigation
Complete the investigation as soon as possible, identify and control the root cause(s) of the incident, and document all of your efforts.
Corrective steps
After your investigation is complete, document the corrective steps and/or training you have completed and maintain those records as required.
Investigation follow-up
Once you have made the corrections identified in your investigation, follow up with employees to make sure corrective actions are being implemented.