The document outlines a course on accident investigation and corporate safety training, emphasizing the importance of identifying and preventing workplace hazards. It details course objectives, OSHA regulations, and the roles of management, supervisors, and employees in fostering a safe work environment through effective accident investigation techniques. Key elements include training, hazard assessments, and the need for involvement at all levels to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities.

1. WELCOME
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
CORPORATE SAFETY TRAINING
29 CFR 1904

2. YOUR INSTRUCTOR

3. COURSE OBJECTIVES
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.
NOTE

4.  Accident Prevention.
 Introduce Accident Investigation & Establish Its
Role in Today’s Industry.
 Introduce Some Basic Skills in the Recognition &
Control of Occupational Hazards.
 Provide Basic Accident Investigation Skills for
Supervisors.
 Introduce Accident Investigation Techniques.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
(Continued)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 29CFR - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
1904 - RECORDKEEPING REQUIREMENTS
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
IDENT INVESTIGATION
ACC

8. 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

9. 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.
PENALTY: $500
DANGER
EYE PROTECTION
REQUIRED BEYOND
THIS POINT

10. OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY
AS OF MARCH 1, 1991:
CHANGES IN PENALTY COMPUTATION:
1. PENALTIES BROKEN OUT INDIVIDUALLY.
2. PENALTIES INCREASED SEVEN FOLD.
(Continued)

11. OSHA CIVIL PENALTIES POLICY
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
(Continued)

12. PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
 Review job specific hazards
 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
ALL EMPLOYERS MUST: ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION
PROGRAM
IDENT INVESTIGATION
ACC

13. ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
IS IMPORTANT
 Improve quality.
 Improve absenteeism.
 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.
A GOOD PROGRAM WILL HELP:
SAFETY
STATISTICS

14. “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
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
IS ALSO PREVENTION

15. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
 DEDICATION
 PERSONAL INTEREST
 MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION PROGRAM REQUIRES:
NOTE:
UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE WORK FORCE
IS ESSENTIAL, WITHOUT IT THE PROGRAM WILL FAIL!

16.  TRAINING
 SAFETY COMMITTEE
 WORKSITE ANALYSIS
 STATISTICAL REVIEWS
 MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
 PROMPT INVESTIGATIONS
 SUPERVISOR INVOLVEMENT
 HAZARD PREVENTION AND CONTROL
KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS

17. KEY PROGRAM ELEMENTS
(Continued)
 WORKSITE ANALYSIS
 RECORDS REVIEW
 PERIODIC SURVEYS
 JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
 SYSTEMATIC SITE ANALYSIS
SAF ETY

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

19. 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

20. MANAGEMENT’S 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.

21. THE SUPERVISOR’S 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.

22. THE EMPLOYEE’S 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.

23. WRITTEN PROGRAM
 WRITTEN PROGRAMS MUST BE:
 DEVELOPED
 IMPLEMENTED
 CONTROLLED
 PERIODICALLY REVIEWED

24.  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.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
COMMITTEES SHOULD:

25. PROGRAM REVIEW AND EVALUATION
 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.
EVALUATION TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:

26. 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

27. ACCIDENT CAUSATION
 Domino Theory.
 Multiple Causation Theory.

28. ACCIDENT CAUSATION
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.
 Domino Theory.

29.  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
 Domino Theory.
(One act or condition)

30. ACCIDENT CAUSATION
Factors combined in random fashion
to cause accidents.
 Multiple Causation Theory.

31.  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
 Multiple Causation Theory.
(Contributing factors)

32.  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 Acts

33.  Improper PPE.
 Improper tools.
 Improper guarding.
 Poor housekeeping.
 Improper ventilation.
 Defective equipment.
 Improper illumination.
 Unsafe dress or apparel.
 Hazardous arrangement.
ACCIDENT CAUSATION
 Unsafe Conditions (Environmental)

34.  Fatigue.
 Unclassified
 Improper attitude.
 Defective hearing.
 Defective eyesight.
 Muscular weakness.
 Lack of required skill.
 Intoxication (alcohol, drugs).
 Lack of required knowledge
ACCIDENT CAUSATION
 Unsafe Personal Factors

35.  Improper attitude.
 Lack of knowledge or skill.
 Physical or mental impairment
ACCIDENT CAUSATION
 Behavioristic Causes

36.  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
 Types of Accidents

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

38. ACCIDENT CAUSATION
 Assessing the Facts
 Nationality.
 Language.
 Occupation.
 Gender.
 Department.
 Name of supervisor.
 Years employed.
 Length of time on job.
 Responsibility.
 Age.
 Type of accident.
 Environmental cause.
 Unsafe act.
 Behavioristic cause.
 Cost.
 Time lost.

39. 1. Obtain the supervisor report of the accident.
2. Obtain the injured worker’s 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 CAUSATION
 Steps in Causal Analysis

40. 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.
ACCIDENT REPORTING

41. CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
 Determine principal causes.
 Determine contributing causes.
 Develop strategies for corrective action.
 Establish a timetable for corrective action.
 Assign responsibility for corrective actions.
 Purpose of the Investigation:

42.  JHA assessment forms.
 Direct observation.
 Video Tape.
 Action photographs.
 Documentary accounts.
 Accident statistics.
 Employee interviews.
 Employee surveys.
 Collecting the data:
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION

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

44. 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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION

45. Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
PRINCIPAL QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED:
 WHO?
 WHAT?
 WHY?
 WHEN?
 WHERE?
 HOW?

46.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHO?

47.  What was the injured employee’s 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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHAT?

48.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHAT?

49.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHEN?

50.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHY?

51.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHERE?

52.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
HOW?

53.  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?
Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
WHAT'S NEXT?

54. Continued
CONDUCTING THE INVESTIGATION
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.

55. 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.

56. 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
WRITING THE REPORT
Continued

57. THE GREATEST
DEFICIENCY IN
ACCIDENT
INVESTIGATION IS
LACK OF COMPETENT
FOLLOW-UP!
FOLLOW-UP

58. 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.

59. 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

60. Continued
GOOD JOB DESIGN
PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Earning Power,
Loss in Quality of Life, Pain & Suffering
PREVENTS Economic Loss, Loss in Expertise,
Compensation Costs, Damaged Goods
& Equipment
EMPLOYEE:
EMPLOYER:
JOB DESIGN

61.  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!
TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS

62. 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

63. 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