This course is designed to transition the learner from simply recording an incident to expertly analyzing it. The focus is on employing a structured, unbiased investigation process to find systemic failures and implement effective, lasting preventive measures.

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Major Topics Covered

 

• Legal Requirements and Reporting

  • Understanding the OHS Act and the specific regulations governing Incident Reporting and Investigation (e.g., General Administrative Regulations).

  • Defining different types of incidents: Accident, Incident, Near-Miss, and Occupational Disease.

  • Procedures for reporting serious incidents (Section 24) to the Department of Labour (DoL).

  • Statutory reporting forms (Annexure 1) and timelines.

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• The Incident Investigation Process

  • Step 1: Securing the Scene (Isolation, Preservation of Evidence).

  • Step 2: Gathering Information (Interviewing witnesses, documenting the scene with photos/sketches).

  • Step 3: Analyzing the Facts (Identifying immediate causes, underlying causes, and root causes).

  • Step 4: Developing Corrective Actions (Recommendations for control measures).

  • Step 5: Reporting and Follow-up (Completing documentation and monitoring implementation).

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• Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Techniques

  • Introduction to basic RCA models (e.g., Fishbone Diagram/Ishikawa or Five Whys).

  • Distinguishing between unsafe acts (human factors) and unsafe conditions (system failures).

  • Focusing on failures in the Management System (e.g., training, supervision, maintenance).

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• Evidence Management and Interviewing

  • Techniques for conducting unbiased and effective witness interviews.

  • Gathering and preserving physical and documentary evidence (e.g., maintenance logs, risk assessments).

  • Maintaining a Chain of Custody for evidence.

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By the end of this course

learners will be competent to lead or participate in a formal incident investigation, accurately determine the true root causes of an event, complete all required legal documentation, and recommend effective corrective measures to prevent future recurrence.