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In incidents where a worker was hurt or in “close calls” (an incident in which an injury could’ve occurred but did not), OSHA strongly encourages employers to investigate the circumstances.  Investigating a worksite incident such as a fatality, illness, or close call helps employers identify hazards in their operations [1]. It also enables employers to identify and implement corrective actions necessary to prevent future incidents.  Investigations should include managers and employees working together [1]. The main objectives of an incident investigation include determining the root cause of the incident and developing recommendations for prevention of illnesses and injuries. When conducting an investigation, the team must look beyond the immediate causes of an incident [2]. When a shortcoming is identified, it is important to ask why it existed and why it was not previously addressed.

The investigation should be conducted as soon as possible– after the incident occurs or is reported, before the incident scene is disturbed or changed, and before the involved person(s) and witnesses forget what happened [2]. Elements of an incident investigation include preparation, on site investigation and a development of a report.  In preparation, training is provided to investigators and other personnel, a process is implemented for notifying investigators, and documents are created and identified for collection. The purpose of an on-site investigation is to document conditions and collect information, as well as do a root-cause analysis to determine the cause. When the cause is determined based upon the information collected in the investigation, recommendations for prevention should address the root cause(s) [2].

Why LISKE?

LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with over thirty years of customer trust. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment ensures that no element of causation is overlooked, and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on, whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable, misinformed, and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts.

[1] https://www.osha.gov/incident-investigation

[2] https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/2018-12/fy11_sh-22246-11_IncidentInvestigationGuide.pdf