Accident analysis - your initial steps

Specializing in workers' compensation for employers
based in Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota

Policyholder news

When an injury happens

Return-to-work

CompOnline information

Preferred pricing for MN Chamber members

Publications

Accident analysis
Your initial steps in analyzing an accident

Analyzing accidents can help you learn how to prevent them from recurring and significantly affect your bottom line. Start with SFM's Accident analysis worksheet for ideas on what to look for.

Then follow these or similar steps, depending on your business.

1.	Collect data Gather facts about what happened. You can best find out the details by questioning the people who were directly involved--the injured employee and supervisor. Ask the employee or supervisor: What type of injury occurred? Was it an accident? Body part injured? What type of treatment was received? Physician? Hospital? Clinic? What happened and how did it happen? Was any equipment damaged? What caused the incident? Why did it happen? What could be done to prevent recurrence? By whom? When? Was the employee violating safety regulations or specific instruction? What other concerns do you have about this injury? Examine materials, tools and equipment. Start with the machine or equipment that caused the injury.
2.	Analyze the facts Accident analysis looks at four possible causes: Equipment. Is it working properly? Are the guards and other safety precautions present and functioning? Did the accident have to do with electrical problems? Etc. Methods. Were safety procedures not implemented? Does the department supervisor routinely enforce procedures? Was the employee working alone or with a co-worker? Is this employee out of sight from other co-workers? Personnel. Was the employee properly trained for this particular job? What shift and how long was the employee's shift? Can the employee read the language on warnings? Was the employee frustrated by other related or non-related issues going on? Environment. Was the work area properly lighted? Were work surfaces free of clutter and distraction? Was noise an issue? Chemicals? Dust? Was space sufficient to do the task? Was the floor free of clutter? Etc.
3.	Develop a plan for corrective action The plan should address the findings you got from your analysis in Step 2. Make recommendations for each of the possible causes identified. After this investigation, you may suggest changes to machinery, work procedures, employee training, safety process, personnel or the environment.
4.	Follow through Do what you can to ensure that your recommendations are implemented in a timely manner to avoid future incidents.

Related info: