Better Accident Investigations

Presented by QBE Loss Control Services

Presentation Objectives:

1. Emphasize Importance of Thorough and Timely Accident Investigations

2. Review Accident Investigation Process3. Review MBC Accident Investigation

Procedures for:– Employee Accidents– Vehicle Accidents

Why Investigate?

Find Causes

Triangle of Opportunity

1

100

500

Disabling Injury

Minor Injuries

Property Damage& Near Misses

Why Investigate?

• Find Causes• Identify/Eliminate Hazards• Discover Deviations from

Standard Procedure• Basis for Recommendations for

Change• Assists Insurance Company

Claim Personnel in Proper Handling of all Claims.

It’s Your Responsibility

“An unsafe act, unsafe condition,

and an accident are all symptoms

of something wrong in the

management system”.

Dan Peterson

Techniques of Safety Management

McGraw-Hill Book Company 1978

It’s your duty to……

• Get The Facts• Record What Happened• Find Out What’s

Needed• Recommend or Take

Action• Follow-up

Accident:

Any unplanned, unexpected event that interferes with the orderly progress of the distribution activity or process.

Accident Investigation Policy Should Identify:

• What must be investigated?• Who is primarily responsible for

investigations?• Who should be notified of

accidents?• Who gets copies of completed

reports?• Deadline for completion?• Who’s responsible for follow-up?

For Our Purposes….An accident Investigation be completed:1. Immediately after any work related injury or

illness, regardless of how minor; or

2. Immediately after any physical contact is made with a company vehicle, regardless of how minor.

CTD’s/Repetitive Motion

• Need To Be Investigated As Well• Identify All Contributing Factors• Identify/Implement Ergonomic Solutions

Accident Investigation Process:

• Response• Fact Finding• Analysis• Recommendations• Follow-up

When Interviewing Witnesses, Don’t:

• Pressure the Witness

• Blame the Witness for the Accident

• Interrupt an Answer

• Ask “Yes” or “No” Questions

• Ask “Why” or “Opinion” Questions

• Emphasize “Just the Facts Mam”

When Interviewing Witnesses, Do:

• Interview as Soon as Possible• Interview at the Accident Scene if Possible• Take Notes• Put the Witness at Ease• Ask Open-ended Questions• Repeat the Story Back to the Witness• End the Interview on a Positive Note

Also Consider the Following:

• Accident Investigation Kit

• Take Pictures• Use Video

Keep in mind….

• Condition Corrected = Accident Prevented

• No Action Provides No Protection

• Bottom Line - Let’s Learn From Our Mistakes!

Could there possibly be any questions so far??