Workplace accident reports are the final step in the
accident investigation process. The report should include the who, what,
where, when and to-what extent as well as recommendations for prevention
of future accidents of the same nature.
Accident reports should identify not only the specific
cause, but also the root cause which typically is a failure of some aspect
of the safety program such as engineering controls, administrative
controls or safety training.
Typically the accident report is completed by the
person assigned to investigate the accident. The should be
thoroughly trained in accident investigation elements and procedures so
that an effective report is developed for management review.
All corrective actions identified in the report should
be assigned to a specific person for action with a date due for completed
action.
Information contained in the accident report are used
to complete the "first report of injury" which is the OSHA 301 form.
This first report is required by OSHA if an injury or illness to a worker
occurs.
To be and
effective tool, an accident report should be clear and concise. The
purpose of the investigation is to prevent future accidents. The
following outline has been found especially useful in developing the
information to be included in the formal report:
1. Background Information
a. Where and when the
accident occurred
b. Who and what were
involved
c. Operating personnel
and other witnesses
2. Account of the Accident
(What happened?)
a. Sequence of events
b. Extent of damage
c. Accident type
d. Agency or source (of
energy or hazardous material)
3. Discussion (Analysis of
the Accident - HOW; WHY)
a. Direct causes (energy
sources; hazardous materials)
b. Indirect causes
(unsafe acts and conditions)
c. Basic causes
(management policies; personal or environmental factors)
4. Recommendations (to
prevent a recurrence) for immediate and long-range action to remedy:
a. Basic causes
b. Indirect causes
c. Direct causes (such as
reduced quantities or protective equipment or structures)
Possible Causes
Obvious accident causes are
most probably symptoms of a "root cause" problem. Some examples of
Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Conditions which may lead to accidents are:
Unsafe Acts
Unauthorized operation of
equipment
Running - Horse Play Not
following procedures By-passing safety devices
Not using protective
equipment
Under influence of drugs or
alcohol
Unsafe Conditions
Ergonomic Hazards
Environmental hazards
Inadequate housekeeping
Blocked walkways
Improper or damaged PPE
Inadequate machine guarding
Recommendations
As a result of the finding is
there a need to make changes to:
Employee training
Work Stations Design
Policies or procedures
More detailed information on
Accident Prevention
can be found in the Members Area
