This enables the Skipper / organisation to take meaningful steps after an accident has occurred to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents. The person(s) designated to investigate the incident should conduct an in-depth investigation to identify the real causal factors (such as unsafe acts and / or conditions and personal or job factors) which may have contributed to the cause(s) of the accident and then to determine meaningful remedial or preventive measures. Remember, investigating accidents and serious injury events is a legal requirement.
Most importantly, steps must be taken to prevent similar future incidents and ensure that steps are implemented. Work related health problems and no-conformities to the system should receive the same thorough investigation as do accidents.
Once the accident has been fully examined, it is necessary to analyse the event fully. Analysis will yield valuable information that can be used to improve the accident prevention program. In particular, by keeping proper statistics of accidents, you will be able to identify:
- the types of accidents occurring
- the parts of the body injured
- the areas / departments where most events are occurring
- the group of tasks that have higher accident rates than others
- trends that are developing
In addition, it is necessary to fully cost all accidents in order that the full impact of these events becomes clear.
